Can Teleaudiology Close the Gap in Infant Hearing Care?

Author: Corey Dion Lewis, Founder and Host of The Healthy Project Podcast
Medically informed by: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, and Lauren Ramsey, PhD, MPH

If your newborn doesn’t pass their first hearing screening, the next steps matter. Quickly. But for many families, that follow-up care is where things break down.

The barriers are real:

• Long drives to reach a specialist
• Insurance that covers the first visit but not the critical follow-ups
• Parents handed complex information they don’t fully understand
• Families navigating care while carrying mistrust of the medical system

The result? Too many children miss out on timely diagnosis and support—delays that can change the trajectory of their communication and learning.

That’s where teleaudiology steps in.

The Conversation

On the latest episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, I sit down with Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, and Dr. Lauren Ramsey. Together, we explore how teleaudiology can shrink the gap between screening and care for infants and young children.

Here’s what we dig into:

• How it works: A trained facilitator sets up the child in a local clinic or trusted community site, while an audiologist guides testing and counseling remotely.
• Why it matters: Six months of language development happen fast. Missing that window can leave lasting effects.
• The bigger picture: Policy gaps—like insurance not covering orientation visits—make it harder for families to get consistent support.
• Equity at the center: Care works best when it’s delivered in spaces families already trust, with staff who speak their language and share their lived experiences.

Why This Episode Matters

This isn’t just about technology. It’s about trust, access, and giving every child the chance to thrive. Families should not have to choose between gas money and a medical appointment, or wonder whether they’ll understand the instructions they’re given.

Pamela and Lauren remind us that solutions already exist. Teleaudiology is being used successfully in countries like Brazil, India, and Australia. With the right policies and investment, it can scale here too.

Listen here: Podcast Episode
Watch on YouTube: Full Conversation

Takeaway: Early hearing care is not a privilege—it’s a right. Teleaudiology is one way to make sure more families, especially those in underserved communities, get it.

— Corey Dion Lewis