COLUMBUS — Hearing specialists say a proposal requiring hearing tests for all Ohio newborns will help prevent speech and language problems for thousands of infants.

        The proposal, already approved by the state House, is before a Senate committee. If adopted, it probably wouldn't take effect until summer 2004.

        Most states have laws require hearing screenings for newborns. Ohio mandates testing only for those identified as high-risk, either because hearing loss runs in the family or because of other factors at birth.

        That method misses one of every two babies with a hearing loss, Dawn Gleason, director of audiology at the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center, told a Columbus newspaper for a Sunday story.

        Some Ohio hospitals voluntarily screen all newborns, but most stick to at-risk babies.

Rapid pace escalates the debate over sprawl
Airport has plan to avoid runway gridlock
Eyes have it: Surgeons add new laser tool
Ohio-born astronaut carries state quarters aboard shuttle
Police recruits get cult lesson
UC set to expand online services for students
Blue Wisp could jazz Kentucky
Kentucky launches reform of jail care
Kentucky plan will not order raises without money
Mystery surrounds softening of cap on Ky. taxes
Butler day offers safety training
Dress code up for vote at schools
Gay minister encourages church
Grand Vic bus catches fire
Humana Festival plays to cover spectrum
Icy roads land 1 in hospital
Ohio most expensive place in U.S. to buy wine
Proposal would require baby hearing tests
State exams: Studying with software
Study links sleep, attention problems
Washington statue cover-up has left little to imagination
Some Good News
Taft's pick shows he's tone deaf
You Asked For It
Riot pictures win photography awards
Tristate A.M. report