Abstract :
The most crucial period for the acquisition of language and speech skills is generally regarded as the first 3 years of life. Sometimes, in children from the period of infancy to early childhood, hearing loss may often go undetected which can extend for a longer time. The result is that for many infants and young children who have reduced hearing sensitivity and are detected later, resulting in substantial loss of the speech and language skills. Government of India should take the initiation to start universal newborn hearing screening program at all district hospitals and medical colleges of India. Awareness about importance of newborn hearing screening is necessary on urgent basis.
Keyword :
Newborn; Hearing; Screening; India