The Invisible Disability Impacting Virginia's Children

Each year in Virginia, young children who are deaf and hard of hearing fall behind because their hearing loss is identified late. Late identification can lead to speech and language delays, poor cognitive growth, low early literacy skills, and failure to thrive in school.

The Facts

According to the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), the incidence of permanent hearing loss DOUBLES between birth and school age. Unfortunately, most children do not receive an objective, age-appropriate hearing screen before school enrollment. Children with late-onset or progressive hearing loss are at risk of developing significant communication disorders, behavior issues, and lifelong academic underachievement.

The Solution

Educating families and communities about early childhood hearing loss and providing free, objective hearing screening between 2-5 years of age will offer more deaf and hard of hearing children a chance to be found sooner. Early identification of hearing loss and rapid connections to local supports and services directly impact kindergarten readiness = The Key to Success in Academics, Strong Social-Emotional Wellness, and Life Skills.