Management of young children with unilateral hearing loss

Children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) are at risk for academic, speech and language and social-emotional difficulties. To date, most of the evidence documented in the literature has been obtained from school-age children, most of whom were diagnosed with UHL after enrollment in school. Following the widespread institution Of universal newborn hearing screening, most children are now screened prior to three months of age. Consequently, infants with UHL are being identified years before entering school, leaving hearing health and early intervention professionals asking how to best serve this population of children. Until evidence is obtained that will direct best practice initiatives, caregivers can take advantage of this previously nonexistent "window of opportunity" to provide optimal auditory environments for their children. It is the responsibility of audiology professionals and other professionals who provide services to children with hearing loss to be proactive and educate parents and caregivers so all children with UHL have the best chance for success.