|
The concept of a comprehensive Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) system is supported by two national organizations: the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (Year 2000 Position Statement) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Goals, Objectives and Performance Indicators for the EHDI Tracking and Surveillance System). Key elements of the two documents include:
-
Screening of all newborns using a physiologic measure of hearing during birth admission.
-
Audiologic evaluations for those who do not pass the screening by 3 months of age.
-
Appropriate, interdisciplinary early intervention services prior to 6 months of age for all infants identified with permanent hearing loss.
-
Monitoring for infants with hearing loss risk factors to identify late-onset, progressive, or acquired hearing loss.
-
Protection of the rights of infants and their families through informed choice, decision-making, and consent.
-
Protection of screening and evaluation results, similar to other health and educational information.
-
A medical home for infants with permanent hearing loss.
-
Tracking and surveillance information systems that measure and report the effectiveness of EHDI services and minimize loss to follow-up.
-
Comprehensive data systems that monitor quality, track progress toward goals, and determine compliance and accountability.
|