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State laws vary in their requirements for the number of newborns who must be screened. Reporting, health insurance coverage, and written informed consent requirements also vary. In 2004, more than 91% of newborns nationwide were screened, most prior to discharge from birth admission, compared with 3% as recently as 1993. Almost 2% of the newborns screened for hearing loss were referred for an audiologic evaluation; of those who did receive an audiologic evaluation, 75% were evaluated prior to 3 months of age. However, only 48% received the recommended audiologic evaluation; the remaining 52% were "lost to the system."
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