New Equipment for Infant Hearing Testing Approved

Five audiology practices around the state have been selected to receive new equipment to be used in follow up services for infants born with potential hearing problems, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.

"These are expensive systems that small audiology practices could not afford," said Tara Carroll, manager of DHEC's First Sound program which provides early hearing detection and intervention services. "With access to care being an issue for some parents of newborns, we wanted to distribute this equipment strategically around the state."

Carroll said the five Auditory Brainstem Response diagnostic systems will be used for follow up testing when a baby with potential hearing problems has been referred from their hospital newborn screening.

"First Sound used $100,000 in grant funds to pay for the equipment," Carroll said. "An independent panel reviewed applications and awarded the five systems based on areas of the state with the most critical need."

The five practices receiving the equipment include:

• Central Carolina Ear, Nose and Throat, located in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lancaster and Chester.
• Hilton Head Hearing Services, with offices in Hilton Head and Bluffton.
• Pee Dee Speech and Hearing, located in Florence and Myrtle Beach.
• Augusta Hearing and Balance, located in Augusta, GA.
• Anderson-Oconee Speech and Hearing, located in Anderson and Seneca.