Audiologists are essential in the role of determining whether a child has a hearing loss. According to JCIH (2019), the audiologist completes the initial diagnostic evaluation using a battery of physiological testing procedures. Once a child has been diagnosed with a confirmed hearing loss, it is important that he/she be seen by their audiologist for management and follow-up care. The audiologist provides parents with information about hearing loss, communication options, educational options and personal amplification.

The goals for babies born in Arkansas are 1, 3, 6:

1. Screen all newborn’s hearing before they leave the hospital;
2. Re-test those who do not pass the first screen before 1 month of age;
3. Confirm hearing loss by diagnostic audiologic testing before 3 months of age; and
4. Enroll infants identified with hearing loss in appropriate early intervention services before 6 months of age.

Downloads and Information

• 2019 JCIH Position Statement
• FY22 ERAVE Usability Evaluation
• Letter to All Arkansas Audiologists
• Audiologists’ Guide for Infant Diagnostic Evaluation
• Non-Permanent Hearing Loss Recommendations (FY24)
• Providers of Follow-Up Infant Hearing Screening
• Diagnostic Providers list
• Rescreen Questionnaire Form – English
• Rescreen Questionnaire Form – Spanish
• Diagnostic Evaluation Form
• Act 1559 of 1999
• Rules and Regulations