The Holley Ear Institute has promoted the universal screening of newborn infants for deafness and hearing loss since its founding. Holley Ear Institute volunteers have been screening infants in the newborn intensive care unit since 1994. In 1996 this service was extended to all babies born at St. John Hospital and Medical Center.

Too often hearing loss is not detected until children are ready for preschool. This means they miss out on critical language development, making it more difficult for them academically and socially. Early detection of hearing loss is critical for early intervention and treatment. This early intervention and treatment facilitate a child’s speech, language, cognitive skills, social – emotional development and academic achievement. Nearly 4,000 infants are screened by the Holley Ear Institute's volunteers and audiologists each year at St. John Hospital and Medical Center.