FED:Big benefits from treating deafness early

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2011
FED:Big benefits from treating deafness early

A new study has found the costs of early intervention for deaf children are outweighed
nearly twofold by the lifelong social benefits they get from being able to hear.

The First Voice report says the benefits include less disability, lower school costs
from being able to attend mainstream schools, a higher likelihood of a job and a higher
income.

It shows costs over 50 years were 203 thousand dollars, nearly all of it incurred in
a child's first five years, while the benefits came in at close to 383 thousand dollars.

One little girl who'll gain from early intervention is five-month-old ISABEL CAIRNS,
the daughter of former New Zealand test cricketer CHRIS CAIRNS and his wife MELANIE.

Speaking in Canberra, Mrs CAIRNS said their terror had turned to hope when they found
their baby could benefit from cochlear implants like her granddad - and she'll get them
next month.

AAP RTV klc/rl/jmt

KEYWORD: HEARING (CANBERRA)

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