‘Only 8 babies found with hearing problem’

Only eight babies have been identified to have a problem with their hearing when they were born, according to a three-year study conducted by the Commonwealth Health Center.

CNMI audiologist Angie Mister disclosed this yesterday during the Staff Development Training of the CNMI Public School System’s Children Developmental Assistance Center held at the Charley’s Cabaret, Pacific Islands Club.

Out of an average of 4,500 babies tested in the three years of running the program, Mister said only eight of them were referred to the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program at the Department of Public Health.

The EHDI program started through a “Cooperative Agreement Program” with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Health Education specialist Marcia Victor, who flew from Georgia to participate in the training yesterday, said she was impressed with the data provided by the CHC.

She said the report included an impressive figure—99 percent of at least 4,500 babies were tested for their hearing.

EHDI consultant W. June Holstrum said the identification process conducted by the DPH and EHDI program staff is one of the best across the nation.

Both guests will be visiting CNMI physicians today for updates and further presentation from the CDC representatives.

PSS Early Intervention Program officer Susan Lizama organized the two-day training. She said the staff development training is part of the PSS’ 10-day staff development program given to PSS in a year. She said the 10-day training is stretched throughout the year.

Lizama said yesterday’s morning session tackled presentation of data from the program committee members composed of four teachers, one occupational therapist, three service coordinators, a speech therapist, and a social worker.

University of Guam’s Technical Assistance providers also attended the training. UoG has been helping the CNMI program for at least 10 years now, according to associate director June R. De Leon, who flew from Guam with fellow coordinator Elaine Eclavea for an update on the program.

CNMI first lady Josie Fitial and Margaret Villagomez, together with retired Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos, also attended the training. Lizama said the first lady showed interest in the program by agreeing to join the team in one of their future home visits to check on the hearing of children in the CNMI.

Lizama said the program has helped at least 63 children in coping with hearing problems from birth to three years of age.

She said the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention is a free program. If parents have concerns with the hearing of their babies from birth to three years old, they should go to the CDA office in Garapan for further assistance.