Abstract
With the widespread utilization of universal newborn hearing screening during the past two decades, early detection of hearing impairment in children has improved markedly. This chapter provides an overview of early identification of childhood hearing impairment, methods used for early detection, common causes, and the various rehabilitative interventions both medical, surgical, and technological. A primary care physician who is knowledgeable about pediatric hearing impairment can play a key role in achieving the best possible outcome.
Keywords: Hearing loss, Hearing impairment, Universal Newborn Screening, Otitis media, Cochlear implant, BAHA, Otoacoustic emissions, ABR, Audiologic testing, Audiogram, Conductive, Sensorineural, Tympanometry, Hearing Aid, Deafness, Auditory Neuropathy, Ossicles, Connexin, Speech Therapy, Tympanostomy tube, Tympanoplasty.