This information packet presents materials which focus on early identification of hearing impairment in infants and young children to prevent speech and language delays. A glossary of terms is followed by a summary of results of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference (1993) concerning early identification of hearing impairment in infants and young children. The next item is a statement of recommendations of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders working group on early identification of hearing impairment and addresses acceptable protocols for use in state-wide universal newborn hearing screening programs. The packet also includes two article reprints: (1) "Early Screening: A Promise for the Future" (Lorraine Short); and (2) "Hearing and the Development of Language and Speech" (Leo V. Deal and William H. Haas). A list of 10 additional resource organizations follows. Next are answers to seven frequently asked questions about Combined Health Information Database information searches. An abstract bibliography of 25 items completes the packet. Contains 25 references. (DB)