Does the March of Dimes support research on hearing impairment?
Several March of Dimes grantees are exploring the role that specific genes play in causing hearing impairment, with the ultimate goal of developing new treatments for hereditary hearing impairment. Others are seeking to prevent hearing impairment by preventing infections (such as cytomegalovirus) that can cause it and to improve treatment of individuals with hearing impairment. One is evaluating deaf children’s difficulty in learning to spell and read in order to develop improved educational programs. For more information • The CDC’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) provides educational materials for families and health care providers. • The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) provides resources for health care providers and families. The center has produced a six-minute video for parents, “Sound Beginnings,” which is available in English and Spanish. The video may be viewed online at no charge, or a copy may be purchased. References • C
