Dr. Shree Rao addressed the National Pediatric Conference hosted by New Horizons Child Development Centre in New Delhi, India, where she highlighted the vital role of pediatricians in the early detection of childhood hearing loss.
Emphasising that a normal newborn hearing screening does not rule out hearing loss later in life, she explained that nearly 80% of non-syndromic congenital hearing loss occurs in children born to parents with normal hearing and no family history. Through her session, Dr. Rao encouraged healthcare professionals to recognize early warning signs, such as delayed speech and poor response to sound, and to prioritize timely hearing evaluations.
Her presentation reinforced that early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve speech, language development, and long-term quality of life, reflecting her commitment to advancing awareness and improving outcomes for children with hearing loss.
