Does a Program Authorizing Hearing Tests for Infants Need to be Reauthorized? (H.R. 1344)

What is H.R. 1344?

(Updated February 9, 2019)

This bill would reauthorize the federal government’s authority to provide hearing tests and intervention programs to newborn babies. These programs have been operating since 1999, and in 2011 screened about 97 percent of all infants.

Under current law, this program would expire in September 2015. This bill would authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2017 to 2022.

The Health Resources and Services Administration would receive $17.8 million annually through 2022. These funds would go to administering statewide programs for hearing screenings, evaluations, and intervention programs for newborns, infants, and young children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would get $10.8 million annually for technical assistance, data management, and research projects.

Argument in favor

These programs have served newborns, infants, and their families well for over 15 years. Reauthorization makes sense, and would ensure that young children with hearing loss get the treatment they need.

Argument opposed

If the federal government is going to keep these programs around, it needs to consider ways to generate revenue from these activities to mitigate costs. Otherwise it might be time to hand them off to the states or the private sector.

Impact

Newborns, infants, and young children who undergo hearing tests, their families, healthcare providers and staff who administer hearing exams and intervention programs, state-level programs, the HRSA, and the CDC.

Cost of H.R. 1344

The CBO estimates that this bill would cost $212 million over the 2016-2020 period, or about $42 million per year.

Additional Info

In-Depth: The lead sponsor of this program, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), praised the effectiveness of these hearing screening programs in his introductory press release:

“Early detection of hearing loss is just like the early detection of any other disease or illness — it can dramatically change the outcome of one’s prognosis. By reauthorizing these screening and intervention programs, and by shifting our focus to ensure there is less loss to follow-up, we can ensure all newborn babies are being evaluated and receiving any necessary treatment.”

According to the CDC, as many 12,000 babies are born each year with hearing loss. In 2011, 97 percent of all newborns in the U.S. underwent a hearing loss screening, and of those about 1.8 percent did not pass their screening. About two-thirds of those that didn’t pass their screening were diagnosed with some form of hearing loss. For reference, only 46 percent of infants were screened in 1999.

This bill was passed unanimously out of committee via voice vote, and enjoys the bipartisan support of 14 Democratic and 12 Republican cosponsors.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) Press Release
• CBO Cost Estimate
• CDC (Context)