Hear Indiana's mission is 'advocating independence through listening and talking.' We are the non-profit Indiana chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For over 30 years we have helped children with hearing loss achieve their fullest potential as independent members of society. Hear Indiana supports Hoosier families by providing advocacy, scholarships, online support, mentoring, an educational conference, and a Youth Leadership Camp for children with hearing loss. Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects? Hearing loss affects 12,000 newborns each year, yet most families are not familiear with hearing loss- or what the options are for addressing it. All babies should receive a newborn hearing screening in the hospital. For children, early diagnosis is critical. Children begin to learn language by hearing it long before they can talk, so children with hearing loss need to be identified by the time they are 3 months old. Most children with hearing loss can learn to listen and talk nearly as well as their hearing peers. Families can give children a sound start by enrolling them in early intervention programs no later than age six months. Please contact Hear Indiana at info@hearindiana.org or 317-828-0211 for more information.