Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) targets detection of hearing loss before which age to optimize speech and language outcomes?
- A 12 months
- B 6 months
- C 1 month
- D 3 months ✓
Correct answer: D. 3 months
Explanation
The '1-3-6 rule' of UNHS mandates: screen by 1 month, diagnose by 3 months, and enroll in early intervention by 6 months of age. Fitting amplification (hearing aids or cochlear implants) before 6 months of age is crucial because auditory plasticity and critical period for cortical auditory development is highest in the first 6 months. Detection by 3 months allows intervention within the critical period.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.