Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) refers to the process of screening every newborn for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge, whereby infants not passing the screening receive appropriate diagnostic evaluation before three months of age and, when necessary, are enrolled in early intervention programs by six months of age.

In identifying infants with hearing loss and enrolling them in early intervention programs, an early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) program should encompass these three basic components—newborn hearing screening, audiological diagnosis, and early intervention. Threaded throughout these components should also be some key elements—culturally-competent family support, medical home, data management, legislative mandates, and program evaluation tools. Follow the links below to find information about these basic components and key elements, and about other related EHDI resources and information.

Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Information

• Basic EHDI Components
  • Newborn Hearing Screening
  • Pediatric Diagnostic Audiology
  • Early Intervention
    
    
• Key EHDI Elements
  • Data Management
  • Family Support
  • Legislative Activities
  • Medical Home
  • Program Evaluation
    
    
• Other EHDI Resources

Basic EHDI Components
Newborn Hearing Screening The early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) process begins with universal newborn hearing screening. All newborns should be screened for a hearing impairment prior to their discharge from the hospital.	Diagnostic Audiology Infants referred from their newborn hearing screen should receive a follow-up diagnostic audiological evaluation before 3 months of age. This evaluation serves to verify the existence of a hearing impairment, and when present, the etiology and severity.
Early Intervention Infants identified with a hearing impairment after having received a diagnostic audiological evaluation should be enrolled (as with their family) in an early intervention program prior to six months of age. Early intervention will facilitate speech and language acquisition, academic achievement, and social and emotional development.
Key EHDI Elements
Data Management As more and more states implement early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs, it has become clear that the success of these programs depends on successful tracking and follow-up to ensure that babies referred from the screening program (hospital) receive appropriate and timely diagnostic audiological and early intervention services.	Family Support We have catalogued a list of helpful links to other website that provide information, resources, and support to families of deaf and hard of hearing children. Categories include: general information; communication and education; health and development; and family support organizations.
Legislative Activities In 2000, 8 more states (Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and South Carolina) passed legislation requiring newborn hearing screening for all babies born in the state, bringing the total number of states to 32. In our legislative mandates section, one can find copies of all the bills that have been enacted, as well as our mandate summaries.	Medical Home Several years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources began promoting the concept that every child in America should have a Medical Home.
Program Evaluation As more and more statewide EHDI programs have been implemented, the importance of program evaluation and quality assurance activities are increasingly recognized. In our Program Evaluation section, one will find examples of questionnaires, surveys, and checklists which have been used by others to evaluate their EHDI programs.