Hearing Loss
Detection and intervention leads to better outcomes
Research has demonstrated that detection and intervention for hearing loss prior to six months of age results in significantly better outcomes for the development of speech, language, cognition, and psychosocial abilities. Hearing ability is crucial for children to develop speech and language skills as they grow.
Many children with hearing impairment are identified at birth via a newborn hearing screening in the hospital. While babies with normal hearing develop the ability to sense sounds in the womb and are exposed to sounds and language immediately, babies born with hearing loss are deprived of auditory stimulation until the hearing loss is discovered and appropriately managed.
How common is hearing loss in children?
Roughly 1.4 babies per 1,000 newborns experience some form of hearing loss, making it one of the most common congenital conditions in the United States. According to a 2005 National Health Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), five out of every 1,000 children between ages three and 17 are affected by hearing loss. Early identification and intervention are critical, as undiagnosed hearing loss can impact speech development, language acquisition, and social skills, influencing a child’s academic performance and future communication abilities.
Modern technologies such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and advanced speech therapy techniques have transformed the opportunities available to children with hearing impairments. Early intervention can allow children who are deaf or hard of hearing to develop listening and speaking skills, empowering them to engage with their families, peers, and broader community. With proper therapy, many children can thrive in mainstream environments, accessing the same educational and social opportunities as their hearing peers.
Where can I get help for my child?
At New Beginnings, we offer specialized care for children with hearing loss through clinicians with expertise in Hearing Loss and Deaf Education. Our Rich Beem location features a clinician with over 15 years of experience managing hearing loss, cochlear implants, and Auditory-Verbal therapy focused on Listening and Spoken Language (LSL).
We empower children to communicate effectively by using residual hearing, assistive technologies, speech reading, and voice training. These strategies enhance communication, academic success, social skills, and independence, supporting children in both home and school settings.
Meet Our Speech & Hearing Therapists
Cathlene Chapman
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cathy is an Auditory-Verbal Specialist, Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Teacher of the Deaf and Learning Disabled. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas in Speech Communication and Deaf Education and her Master of Science and Speech Disorders from Texas Women University in Speech-Language Pathology.
Cathy earned her LSLS certification as an Auditory-Verbal Educator from A.G. Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
She has served as a Board Member and Chairperson of the Advisory Council for En Voz Alta and as the Founder/Director of Summer Day Camp for Children with Hearing Loss in El Paso.
Cathy has over 20 years of experience working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in both clinical and school settings. She was born and raised in El Paso. Cathy is married to her husband, JT, and they have one handsome son.
Stephanie Escobar
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Stephanie Escobar is a bilingual certified Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2019. She is the Clinical Site Director at the Zaragoza location and specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), with a focus on Gestalt language processing and literacy-based intervention.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has worked in both school and private settings, providing compassionate and evidence-based care to children with autism, early language delays, developmental disabilities, articulation, and language difficulties. She has dedicated countless hours to professional development, continually refining her skills to better serve her patients and community.
Stephanie is passionate about creating adapted books in both English and Spanish to foster positive literacy experiences and loves to incorporate child-led therapy in her sessions, ensuring that each child’s unique needs and interests are at the heart of their communication journey.
Annette Barron
M.S. SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Annette is a native El Pasoan who received her Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso. She obtained her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license and has worked in pediatric speech therapy in home health, and for the last seven years in a private practice setting. Annette has worked with children with various needs such as: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Accent Reduction, Aphasia, Apraxia, Articulation Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder (DD/ADHAD), Autism Spectrum, Cluttering, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Stuttering. She recently graduated with her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is currently working on achieving her Auditory Verbal Therapy certification and plans to get further trained in feeding therapy.
Annette enjoys working with children and providing them with the skills needed to let their voice be heard. She believes in early intervention and working with families to improve and increase a child’s communication skills. Annette values the verse “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (Heb. 10:24 NLT). She is a past secretary of the El Paso Speech and Hearing Association. New Beginnings is happy to have Annette on their amazing team!
Memberships/Certifications
Memberships/Certifications
Changing Lives is Our Mission
Offering children a New Beginning and a brighter future.