While the commitment to technology for neonatal and infant hearing screening in this country has come a long way and is evolving rapidly, the average age of 18-30 months, at which young children with auditory disabilities are identified, is still unacceptable. The promise of earlier detection, diagnosis, and habilitation of hearing loss is within reach if: (1) there is appropriate understanding of the magnitude and consequences of the problem; (2) information based on past efforts is utilized; (3) there is the ability to evaluate and use emerging technologies appropriately; and (4) collaborative uses of resources and agencies already in place are developed. Appended material includes a public awareness hand-out, a time-line on early identification of hearing loss, a summary of studies on the incidence of hearing impairment in high-risk infants, a draft position statement on universal hearing screening of the Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health and Welfare Agencies, and suggestions for community/professional advocacy for early identification of hearing loss. Contains 94 references. (Author/DB)