Hearing Loss and EHDI >

What is EHDI?

National EHDI Goals |  Frequently Asked Questions

EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) programs are located in states and are designed to identify infants with hearing loss by universal screening. This allows identified infants to be enrolled in an early intervention program. These intervention programs are designed to help facilitate the development of visual and/or spoken language and the cognitive (thinking) skills needed to succeed academically and socially.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) EHDI program: 

1. Collaborates with federal, national, and state agencies and organizations in assisting states and territories to develop and implement EHDI programs.

2. Assists states in building EHDI data and surveillance systems to improve their capacity to ensure that all infants are screened for hearing loss and receive appropriate follow-up services.

3. Supports research efforts to:
   
   - Identify causes of hearing loss
   - Determine developmental outcomes and family issues
   - Collect Information on referral rates from EHDI programs
   - Assess the effectiveness and cost of EHDI programs
   
   

4. Uses information gained through the EHDI surveillance systems to find new, preventable causes of hearing loss.

5. Maintains an information clearinghouse on issues related to EHDI that will be available through the CDC EHDI web site and bi-monthly teleconferences.

To ensure that all newborns have the opportunity to communicate from birth, the CDC's EHDI program is a part of  continuing national efforts to promote: 

1. The early detection of hearing loss.

2. The tracking of infants/children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

3. The initiation of effective intervention systems. 

Find out more about the history of newborn screening

EHDI programs:

• Are implemented at the state level with collaboration and support from federal, state, and private organizations, and
  

• Identify 2 to 3 infants per 1000 births with moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss or a total of 5 to 6 infants per 1000 if mild 
  and unilateral cases are included. 

EHDI programs are characterized by three main components:

• Screening (the initial test of infants for hearing loss) 
  

• Audiologic evaluation (to confirm hearing loss)
  

• Early intervention (including medical treatment, early intervention services and family support) to enhance communication, thinking, and behavioral skills needed to achieve academic and social success.   
  

Parents Please Remember:

If hearing loss is not identified until 2 or 3 years of age,  your child may suffer delays in speech, language, and cognitive development. 

Do you have questions about the screening process?

Find out about foreign Screening Programs

Email us: ehdi@cdc.gov

OR

Visit our contact us web page to receive more information on EHDI and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

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This page was last updated September 02, 2004

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhances the potential for full, productive living.  Our work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.