Legislation signed into law in 1999 (O.C.G.A. 31-1-3.2) intends that at least 95 percent of Georgia's newborns will be have their hearing screened and will be promptly linked to follow-up care if necessary.

Eighty percent of a child's language ability is established by the age of 18 months. Early detection and treatment is highly effective. Children with hearing loss who do not receive early detection and treatment may require extensive special education services.

• Photos
• Dr. Kathleen Toomey, Director of the Georgia Department of Public Health, speaks at a press conference at WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Gov. Roy Barnes announces the new infant hearing screening program
• Mrs. Carrie Knott and her daughter, Maggie, joined Georgia First Lady Mrs. Marie Barnes to express support for the UNHSI efforts at a press conference in Macon on April 11
• First Lady Marie Barnes watches Mayor Jack Ellis congratulate the Macon Health District on its newborn hearing loss screening efforts