The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61794

Marcus Gaffney, Division of Human Development and Disability/NCBDDD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., MS F-35, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-3031, nzg9@cdc.gov

Every year 1 to 2 in every 1,000 children are born with a hearing loss (HL) that, when left undetected, can result in developmental delays. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) is a national initiative that supports the early identification of infants with HL so that they can develop optimal communication and language skills. To ensure that those born with HL are identified early such that intervention can be initiated, it is essential that state-based EHDI programs gather data on the infants: screened for HL, referred for and receiving diagnostic audiologic evaluations (for infants who do not pass the screening), and enrollment in early intervention (for those identified with a hearing loss). The availability of data on these benchmarks helps programs ensure that infants receive appropriate services and that areas are identified for continued improvement. In collaboration with the Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health and Welfare Agencies (DSHPSHWA) the EHDI program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities has compiled benchmark, state reported data for years 1999-2001 as an indication of progress towards national EHDI goals. These data indicate a marked improvement in states’ ability to provide services to infants, such as providing hearing screening to newborns. This presentation will utilize reported DSHPSHWA data to present an overview of the progress and status of EHDI programs across the nation, while also highlighting areas, such as surveillance systems, that may benefit EHDI programs through continued development and implementation.

Learning Objectives:

After this session, the participant will be able to:
• describe the importance and uses of gathering data on EHDI benchmarks
• discuss the implications of available data on the status of state EHDI programs and
• identify areas within EHDI programs that could benefit from continued development.

Keywords: Infant Health, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.