What proportion of babies in the US born with hearing loss have a severe to profound degree of hearing loss?

Research indicates that among infants diagnosed with hearing loss in the United States, approximately one-sixth are found to have a severe to profound degree of impairment. This statistic underscores the significance of early detection and intervention in cases of hearing loss, as identifying and addressing the needs of these infants can dramatically influence their language development and overall quality of life. The prevalence of severe to profound hearing loss, while significant, is less than those experiencing milder forms of hearing loss, leading to the conclusion that one-sixth is the accurate proportion in this context. Understanding these statistics is essential for healthcare providers and audiologists, as they inform early screening programs and awareness of the varying degrees of hearing loss that affect newborns.