Friendly URL: www.mass.gov/dph/newbornhearingscreening
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Mission
Advances in technology now make it possible to screen babies for hearing loss soon after they are born. When babies with hearing loss are identified early, intervention can have a dramatic, positive impact on speech, language, and overall development. Because of this, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a law that mandates hearing screening for all newborns in the Commonwealth. Each birth hospital and birth center is required to have a program to ensure that every baby has his or her hearing screened before going home. Babies who do not pass or miss a hearing screening are referred to audiological diagnostic centers approved by the Department of Public Health. In Massachusetts, one of every four infants who do not pass a hearing screening will be diagnosed with a hearing loss.The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program helps families access services if their newborn missed or did not pass a hearing screen.
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Information for Parents
Includes information on screening, diagnosis and support and additional resources.Information for Providers
Includes information on policy, laws and regulations, and additional resources.
This program is part of Division for Perinatal, Early Childhood, and Special Health Needs.
Contact Information
Janet Farrell, Director
Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: 1-800-882-1435 or 617-624-5959
Fax: 617-994-9822
TTY: 617-624-5992
Email: newborn.hearing@state.ma.us
This information is provided by the Newborn Hearing Screening Program within the Department of Public Health.