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Community Birth Providers - Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Newborn Hearing Screening Done?
Newborn hearing screening does not require the infant’s active participation. Unlike the hearing tests done with older children and adults, babies do not have to raise their hands in response to a beep. While the baby is quiet and asleep, computerized equipment measures responses to a series of tones and evaluates the baby’s hearing. The testing is simplified so that a variety of individuals with training can effectively screen babies. The testing is designed to be simple and quick and is best done when the baby is sound asleep.
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Where can a Baby's Hearing Be Screened?
Michigan babies born out of a hospital setting have access to hearing screening sites with proper equipment and trained personnel.
- Many midwives throughout Michigan conduct hearing screenings.
- Community screening sites are available in a variety of settings, including hospital nurseries, audiology offices, primary care clinics, public health departments, and intermediate school districts.
- Find an EHDI best practices screen site here: Facilities by County
- Alternative community sites are available here: community site
- Midwife screening equipment host sites are available for families to obtain screening from a midwife. Find a Midwife host site here: HOST site
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How do I obtain access to hearing screen equipment?
The Carls Foundation provided a grant to the Michigan Coalition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind People (MCDHHDBP) to purchase hearing screening equipment. MCDHHDBP partners with the MI EHDI program to loan and distribute equipment to midwives and or midwife-friendly centers. Eligible sites must:
- Complete proper training
- Agree to follow state protocols
- Sign an agreement with the MCDHHDBP
- Report the results of all their screens to EHDI within 7 days.
Find detailed information from MCDHHDBP: Community Provider Program
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How do I help families find financial support?
Children’s Special Health Care Service (CSHCS) is a program within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that can help families with medical coverage and referral for specialty services and support. The fees associated with the cost of the diagnostic evaluation may be covered under private insurance, Medicaid or CSHCS. For more information about CSHCS visit the Children's Special Care Service website.