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 before 1 month of age, preferably before hospital discharge.
"3" - All infants who do not pass the screening will have a
diagnostic audiologic evaluation before 3 months of age.
"6" - All infants identified with a hearing loss receive appropriate
early intervention services before 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 2004 out of 121,000 infants that were checked for hearing loss in Michigan, 150 were reported to have a hearing loss through EHDI.
EHDI Program Contacts:
Infant Health Unit Manager: Jeff Spitzley, 517/335-8131
Follow-Up Consultant: Michelle Garcia, 517/335-8878
Community Development Consultant:
Dee Robertson, 517/373-8601
Audiology Consultant: Lorie Lang, 517/335-9125
Data Analyst: Erin Estrada, 517/335-8916
FAX Number: 517/335-8036
Videophone: 517/335-8273
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