Update on newborn hearing screening programs.

As a result of legislation supporting the position statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Joint Committee on Hearing, newborn hearing screening programs have become a protocol of care in hospital nurseries throughout the United States. The current goals are to screen all infants by 1 month of age, confirm hearing loss with audiologic examination by 3 months of age, and treat with comprehensive early intervention services before 6 months of age. This article will review the development of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing position statements, examine legislation and health policy initiatives for universal newborn hearing screening, and determine nursing's role in meeting the goals.