The program is an initiative of the Hearing Foundation of Canada and is sponsored by the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The goal of the program is to identify infants who may be born deaf or hard of hearing or who are at risk of developing hearing loss in early childhood. The program also provides child and family centered services to support communication development.

"We are excited to be able to provide the Infant Hearing Program," says Maureen Charette, Nursing Director, Maternal/Newborn, Ross Memorial Hospital. "Through this program, the hearing of a newborn can be assessed and if there are any concerns, the program will be able to assist the baby with hearing development and provide parents with opportunities to work with their child and his/her hearing program at a very early stage of the baby's life."

Research has shown that delay in language development can have a significant impact on the cognitive, emotional and psychosocial development of children; and that language development is a prime indicator of future academic success.

Information about the Infant Hearing Program at the Ross is provided to parents-to-be at prenatal classes, as well as on admission to the Hospital.