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 2007 out of 121,000 infants that were checked for hearing loss in Michigan, 170 were reported to have a hearing loss through EHDI. The EHDI Annual Update has more statistical information on the EHDI program.

EHDI Program Contacts:

Infant Health Unit Manager: Jeff Spitzley, 517/335-8131
Infant Health Unit Secretary: Kathleen Cotter, 517/335-8955
Follow-Up Consultant:  Michelle Garcia, 517/335-8878
Community Consultant: Dee Robertson, 517/373-8601
Audiology Consultant: Lorie Lang, 517/335-9125
Data Analyst: Erin Estrada, 517/335-8916
Parent Consultant: Laura Scott, 517/335-8273
FAX Number: 517/335-8036
Videophone: 517/335-8273