Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)
Since 1998, education and medical professionals, families of young children who have hearing loss, and adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing have been working collaboratively and earnestly on behalf of Minnesota statewide Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) initiatives.
A national goal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention efforts has been summarized as "1--3--6". That has been a statewide EHDI goal in Minnesota also, as we have worked for babies to have hearing screening completed by one month of age, follow-up diagnostic audiology evaluations completed by 3 months of age, and enrollment of children with confirmed hearing loss into early intervention services by 6 months of age.
Now in 2010, initial newborn hearing screening is completed for more than 98% of Minnesota babies before they leave the birthing hospital. Diagnostic audiology evaluations are being completed earlier, and there is growing awareness of the critical need for enrolling children and families in early intervention as soon as possible. Now, many professionals around the country are starting to think about "1--3--6" more as a goal to complete a child’s hearing screening by 1 WEEK of age, diagnostic audiology evaluations by 3 WEEKS of age, and enrollment into early intervention by 6 WEEKS of age.
The overall goals of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) efforts are to ensure that:
- young children who have hearing loss are able to maximize their communication and learning potential, regardless of the degree of their hearing loss;
- young children who have hearing loss are able to begin kindergarten with communication, social and early literacy skills at developmental levels similar to those of their typically-hearing peers, or commensurate with their cognitive abilities; and
- that each family receives the quality, individualized supports and services they need to help their child grow and learn.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention initiatives, continuous advances in technology, increased support for families, and the development and expansion of programs and services for infants and toddlers who have hearing loss have made these goals more attainable for children and families.
At this site, you will find several topic folders of helpful information related to national and Minnesota state EHDI initiatives and early intervention services for young children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and their families. Links to major web sites related to EHDI services and resources have also been included. Professionals and families are invited to contribute additional information and resources for consideration for posting at this EHDI site. Please contact Kathy Anderson for more information.
Thank you for your support of Minnesota children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and their families, and your active involvement in local and statewide EHDI initiatives!
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