The DC Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program is designed to ensure that all infants born in the District of Columbia get a newborn hearing screening before they are discharged from the hospital (or before they are 1 month of age). Infants that do not pass the initial and repeat screenings will be evaluated and linked to hospitals, primary health care providers, and other outpatient facilities and community settings for appropriate testing and treatment.
DC EHDI assists in identifying newborns and infants who have or are at risk for being deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and guides families to appropriate services. The goals of the EHDI program are for all babies to:
- Have their hearing screened before 1 month of age
- For babies who refer or do not pass the newborn hearing screening, have a diagnostic evaluation before 3 months of age
- For babies identified as deaf or hard of hearing, to start early intervention services before 6 months of age
DC EHDI works collaboratively with system partners including hospitals, clinics, educational programs, and support organizations to best support families and young children in D.C.
Resources for All Families:
- EHDI Brochure - English and Spanish (PDF)
- Reporting Card
Resources for Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:
Resources for Providers:
- EHDI Brochure - English and Spanish (PDF)
- Reporting Card