What Is EHDI?

          EHDI Goals | Screening Information

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 goals of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) EHDI program are: 

1. To collaborate with federal, national, and state agencies and organizations in assisting states and territories to develop and implement EHDI programs.
2. To work with 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. To support research into the effectiveness and cost of EHDI programs.
4. To use information gained through the EHDI surveillance system to find new preventable causes of hearing loss.
5. To maintain an information clearinghouse on issues related to EHDI that will be available through the 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 will probably 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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