Apr 24, 2007
AG Bell, NCHAM to Release National EHDI Data
Former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop Joins Pediatrics and Education Experts to Discuss Results and Potential Solutions
Hearing loss is the most common birth defect, yet even though more than 95% of babies are screened for it at birth, about half of those who fail these screenings miss out on timely follow up and referral to early intervention programs.
To reveal new national data that quantifies the problem and discuss why we are failing to get these babies the critical help they need, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) will host a panel discussion in recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
Most parents are not prepared for hearing loss or aware of the options for addressing it, but they must act quickly. Children begin to learn language by hearing it first, and the first few months in a baby’s life are the most important for a child’s overall language development.
Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1198) and U.S. Senate (S. 1069) is designed to improve services for children with hearing loss and provide support to the many families of children with hearing loss.
C. Everett Koop, M.D., Former Surgeon General of the United States
John Hager, M.B.A., Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
Karl White, Ph.D., Director, National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management
Frank Aiello, M.D., American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Improving Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
Stacy Allen, Mother of Bethany, Evan, Leighton and Annaliese
Karen Youdelman, Ed.D., President, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Moderator
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 – Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.; Panel discussion at 9:00 a.m.
National Press Club, Holeman Lounge
529 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20045
Jessica Ripper
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
E-mail: jripper@agbell.org
If you are a member of the media and would like more information, please call (202) 204-4680 or send e-mail to jripper@agbell.org.
AG Bell and NCHAM thank Advanced Bionics (www.bionicear.com) and the Bionic Ear Association for demonstrating their dedication to helping individuals and families with hearing loss and the professionals who serve them by supporting this event.
