PURPOSE: to promote a theoretical approach of the relevant aspects regarding the hearing in childhood and the early detection of the infantile hearing loss. METHODS: bibliographical research on the importance of hearing in infantile development, the description of the early detection of the hearing loss and usual methodology in the programs of newborn hearing screening was carried through. The period of analysis went from 1980 and the key-words were deafness, hearing loss, hearing impairment and children. RESULTS: the hearing is the basic element for the acquisition and development of language. Many are the risk indicators that can affect hearing in the pre and peri native periods. Being the early detection a determinative factor for the rehabilitation prognostic, its effectuation is of extreme importance. There are different methodologies for detecting hearing loss, however the programs of newborn hearing screening through otoacoustic emissions have been demonstrating effectiveness and feasibility. CONCLUSION: there are serious implications of hearing loss for infantile development. The implementation of the programs of newborn hearing screening can ensure early detection, diagnosis and rehabilitation in timely-manner to minimize the effect of hearing loss on the subject.
Hearing; Hearing Loss; Neonatal Screening