Hearing loss is the most common birth defect. As many as 3 to 4 out of every 1,000 babies in the United States are born with some level of hearing loss. Based on that estimate, 33 to 44 babies are born with hearing loss in South Dakota each year.
The Department of Health Newborn Hearing Screening Program recommends that:
This 1-3-6 guideline was developed to give the baby the best possible time frame to be screened, diagnosed and treatment and services begun. The earlier a baby is determined to have a hearing loss and begins receiving services, the more likely that speech, language and social skills will reach their full potential.
