Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program provides oversight to healthcare practitioners to ensure all newborns receive early screening, diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss.
Why Hearing Screening is Important
Congenital Hearing Loss is the most common birth defect in infants, occurring in 1 in every 500 newborns. Genetic factors can cause hearing loss in some babies, especially if there is a family history of hearing loss.
Delayed detection of hearing loss can lead to communication, social, psychological, behavioral, and educational challenges.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be screened by one month, diagnosed by three months, and start getting early intervention services no later than six months.
The first months and years of life are a critical period for brain development needed for communication, social and emotional development, and even academic success. Early identification of hearing loss and appropriate intervention ensures a child will have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program Goals
- All newborns receive hearing screening before hospital discharge or before 10 days of age if born out of hospital.
- For infants who fail the screening, a repeat screening should be conducted before 10 days of age.
- If an infant fails the 2nd hearing screening:
- Complete a diagnostic hearing evaluation by a pediatric audiologist before 3 months of age.
- If an infant is diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH):
- Enroll infant into early intervention services before 6 months of age.