According to the CDC, what percentage of newborns referred after failing a hearing screening actually receive follow-up?

The percentage of newborns who receive follow-up after failing their hearing screening is a critical metric for ensuring early detection and intervention for hearing loss. According to the CDC, about 50% of newborns who are referred following a failed hearing screening go on to receive the necessary follow-up testing and evaluation. This statistic highlights the gap in follow-up care that can impact timely identification and management of hearing impairments, which are crucial for speech and language development.

In contrast, the other percentages presented—85%, 75%, and two-thirds—represent more optimistic expectations about follow-up rates, which do not align with the data from the CDC. A follow-up percentage of 50% indicates that there is still significant work to be done in encouraging families to pursue further testing after an initial screening failure. This underscores the importance of supportive systems and education surrounding the significance of follow-up in the early detection of hearing loss in newborns.