S. 652, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2017

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, the House will consider S. 652, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2017, under suspension of the rules. S. 178 was introduced on March 15, 2017, by Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions., which ordered the measure reported, with an amendment in the nature of the substitute, on April 26, 2017. The legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 6, 2017.

Summary

S. 652 amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize current research and improve public health programs for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants, and young children. Specifically, the legislation expands early hearing detection and intervention programs to include young children, improves access to appropriate follow-up and intervention services when hearing loss is identified, and clarifies the roles of the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Background

Studies have shown a range of estimates for the number of children with hearing loss. In 2014, data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that over 97% of newborns in the United States were screened for hearing loss. Of those babies not passing the hearing screening, over 71% were diagnosed as either having or not having a hearing loss before 3 months of age.[1] 

According to the bill’s sponsor, “Early hearing detection is critical because children with hearing loss often fall behind their peers in speech development, cognitive skills, and social skills. This bill takes important steps to improve early hearing detection and intervention for newborns, infants, and young children, and I’m hopeful we can move this legislation quickly in a strong bipartisan way.”[2]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates enacting the legislation will cost $127 million over the 2018-2022 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Jake Vreeburg with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-1374.