Early identification leads to early intervention and can open up a lifetime of hearing. 

Early identification and subsequent follow up on recommended services are essential for the future listening and speaking success of deaf and hard of hearing children. The most critical period of time for language development is during the first six years of a child's life. It is vitally important that children have access to sound via hearing aids or cochlear implants as early as possible.

Early intervention specialists begin working with families when the child is only a few weeks old. In this family centered approach, early intervention specialists work closely with parents to teach them to incorporate language into daily activities. Infants who have just been fitted with hearing aids need to be taught to pay attention to sound and discriminate one environmental sound from another. Families are taught to make use of every opportunity for listening and speaking in order to help infants and toddlers learn to identify sound and attach meaning to it. Parents are the first teachers of their children and our trained staff model and assist them in their efforts.

Learn more about the Early Intervention Program at each campus:

Molloy Family Center in St. Louis

Shannon Center in Kansas City

Early Hearing Center in Indianapolis