Legislation led by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to advance programs that support early detection and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants and children passed the Senate on Sept. 6 by unanimous consent.
“Early hearing detection is critical because children with hearing loss often fall behind their peers in speech development, cognitive skills and social skills,” Portman said.
In addition to reauthorizing current research and public health programs, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act would also build on those programs by making follow-up care and intervention support more available. Further, it clarifies the roles of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
“This bill takes important steps to improve early hearing detection and intervention for newborns, infants and young children,” Portman said. “I urge my House colleagues to act quickly on their companion bill so we can get this important legislation to the president for signature.”
The bill would improve access to follow-up care for those with hearing loss by allowing education and medical models that enable qualified early intervention providers, health care providers and pediatric medical homes to intervene.
Supporting the bill are the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and a number of other organizations.
Portman introduced the bill with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). Kaine said the bill is needed to improve health programs that detect, diagnose and address hearing loss in newborns, infants and children.
“I was proud to work with Senator Portman on this bipartisan legislation that will help children,” Kaine said. “Now that it has passed the Senate, I’m urging the House to move quickly so we can put this common sense bill into law.”