What is Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

• Hearing loss is one of the most common birth conditions, occurring in 1 in every 500 newborns. The first months and years of life are a critical period for brain development needed for communication, social and emotional development, and academic success. Early identification of hearing loss and intervention ensures a child will have an opportunity to maximize their potential. The Utah EHDI Program, pronounced ‘Eddie’, provides oversight to ensure all newborns receive early screening, diagnosis, and intervention for hearing loss. Each step has a timeline to meet, and is known as ‘1-3-6’ (see the milestones below). In fact, research shows it is crucial to meet every milestone to maximize language learning. 
  1. All newborns shall complete the hearing screening process before 1 month of age
     1. In Utah, all newborns should complete the screening process before 10 days of age
     2. In Utah, if a baby fails two hearing screenings, they are to be tested for congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) before 21 days of age
  2. Babies who fail the hearing screening process, should receive a diagnostic hearing evaluation before 3 months of age
  3. Babies diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), should enroll in early intervention (EI) services before 6 months of age
  4. Families with a child who is newly diagnosed as DHH should be connected to parent-to-parent support services

  While Utah EHDI oversees the implementation of this program, there are many partners working directly with families or ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive available services. See an example of providers and agencies below:

  Family Partnerships	Healthcare Providers	State Agencies	Direct-Service Providers
  EHDI Parent Consultants at the Utah Parent Center Utah Family Voices	Screeners Pediatric Audiologists Primary Care  Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) Ophthalmology Genetics Other specialists	Utah EHDI Programs Baby Watch Early Intervention Program (BWEIP) Office of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN)	Local EI providers USDB PIP Advisors  Deaf Mentors DHH Role Models USU Sound Beginnings

  
  Utah’s guidelines differ from the national requirements, and how we collaborate with other agencies and providers. For further information, go to familyhealth.utah.gov/ehdi or email ehdi@utah.gov.