Early Hearing Detection And Intervention

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) refer to the practice of screening every new born for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge. In October 2007 the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) issued its eighth position statement. The JCIH continues to endorse the early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) for infants with hearing loss.

Infants not passing the screening receive diagnostic evaluation before three months of age and, when necessary, are enrolled in early intervention programs by six months of age. Infants not passing the screening receive diagnostic evaluation before three months of age and, when necessary, are enrolled in early intervention programs by six months of age.

Hearing loss may be caused by a number of factors, including: genetics, ageing, exposure to noise, some infections, birth complications, trauma to the ear, and certain medications or toxins. A common infection that results in hearing loss is chronic ear infections. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) refers to the practice of screening every newborn for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge.