Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
The EHDI Program is a part of the Michigan Department of Community Health and works with hospitals and clinics to identify newborns and infants who have a hearing loss.
While the hospitals do the hearing screens on the newborns, the EHDI program is working with community providers and developing information for families. The EHDI program goals for the first six months of life include the following:
The goals for the EHDI Program are called "1-3-6".
"1" - All infants are screened for hearing loss no later than 1 month of age, preferably before hospital discharge.
"3" - All infants who do not pass the screening will have a diagnostic audiologic evaluation no later than 3 months of age.
"6" - All infants identified with a hearing loss receive appropriate early intervention services no later than 6 months of age.
Even if your baby passes the newborn hearing test, hearing can change. A baby can develop a hearing loss after birth because of middle ear infections or fluid in the middle ear (the most common cause of hearing loss in childhood). Family history of hearing loss or illness such as measles, mumps or meningitis can also affect hearing. If your baby has three or more ear infections, or if you suspect a hearing or speech problem, tell your baby's doctor right away. If further hearing testing is recommended, it is essential to follow through.
In 2011 out of 111,411 infants that were screened, 166 were diagnosed with permanent hearing loss through EHDI. The EHDI Annual Update has more statistical information on the EHDI program.
EHDI Comprehensive report 2011
EHDI Program Contacts:
Infant Health Unit Manager: Jeff Spitzley, 517/335-8131
Infant Health Unit Secretary: Amanda Brunger, 517/335-8955
Follow-Up Consultant: Michelle Garcia, 517/335-8878
Community Consultant: Dee Robertson, 517/373-8601
Program Consultant: Nan Asher, 517/335-8273
Data Analyst: Erin Estrada, 517/335-8916
Parent Consultant: Karen Wisinski, 517/241-7066
FAX Number: 517/335-8036
