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2276 JOINT RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recommends
that whenever possible, the diagnostic process should be
completed and habilitation begun by the age of 6 months; and
WHEREAS, Reduction of the auditory signal during the
critical language-learning period can severely limit a child's
capacity capability for developing a complete and effective
communication system; and
WHEREAS, Delayed identification also delays instruction in
speech and language, auditory training, and visual modes of
communication, timely counseling, education for families, and
medical intervention; and
WHEREAS, It is well documented that a delay in learning
communication skills will preclude full benefit being derived
from expensive educational/rehabilitation, programs; and
WHEREAS, Hearing-impaired adults who suffer delayed
identification and treatment are underemployed, with the majority
engaged in semiskilled or unskilled positions which are highly
vulnerable to job cuts and layoffs; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly of Maryland has already
recognized the value of early detection by providing for the
detection of such disabilities as : hereditary metabolic
disorders, PKU, and hypothyroidism; and
1. Hereditary metabolic disorders (including mental
retardation);
2. Gonorrheal visions impairment; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly of Maryland enacted a law in
1982 providing the parents of children with any one of 12
sentinel birth defects with information and providing anonymous
numerical information to the State Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene; and
WHEREAS, Early screening for auditory defects is not
currently provided for despite the fact that auditory defects
have a higher incidence of auditory defects in the general
population then those that are presently mandated; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 6.8 percent of the approximately
61,000 annual live births in this State will eventually suffer a
hearing impairment; and
WHEREAS, With early identification and follow-up of a
child's hearing impairment, an effective communication system can
be developed, significantly enhancing the quality of a child's
life and his adult potential, and therefore reducing the
potential burden to society; and
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