Toronto, ON (Oct 4, 2010)  The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) supports the national campaign to improve early diagnosis and identification of hearing loss as proposed by the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist (CASLPA).

CASLPA has submitted a position paper on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) as part of a national campaign to improve early identification of hearing loss in children in Canada. The screenings are simple and the non-invasive test for newborns and would ideally be performed prior to a newborn leaving the hospital. There are approximately four per 1,000 babies born each year in Canada with some degree of hearing loss or who will develop early progressive childhood hearing loss. 

“Early diagnosis is essential for intervention and transition planning to ensure each child has access to language acquisition,” says Rex Banks, CHS Chief Audiologist.

“The importance of early diagnosis and the objective of this campaign cannot be understated. Once diagnosis has been made, parents can become better equipped with the knowledge and resources to ensure their child does not experience a language delay whether signed or spoken. The key is to educate families so that they are aware of the choices available to them and how they can access resources and support,” says Chris Kenopic, CHS President and CEO.

Background:

The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist has 5,500 members; it is the only national body that supports and represents the professional needs of speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel inclusively within one organization. Through support, CASLPA champions the needs of people with hearing and communication disorders.

Founded in 1940, The Canadian Hearing Society is a not-for-profit agency and the leading provider of services, products, and information that remove barriers to communication, advance hearing health, and promote equity for people who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

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Contact:
Gordana Mosher, Public Relations Coordinator
The Canadian Hearing Society
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Ph: 416-928-2535 TTY: 416-928-2545
www.chs.ca