EHDI Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the prevalence of congenital hearing loss?

A: Click here for a report concerning the Prevalence of Permanent Congenital Hearing Loss [PDF]

Q: How are states collecting information from hospitals on their newborn hearing screening programs?

A: Click here for Tracking and Surveillance System Survey Results (Questions 32 a and b)

Q: What are the most significant obstacles to establishing (or maintaining) statewide universal newborn hearing screening programs?

A: Click here for Obstacles Survey Results

Q: How can I minimize the referral rate for a Newborn Hearing Screening Program?

A: Click here for info on minimizing the referral rate for a Newborn Hearing Screening Program

Q: What does it mean to say that every child should have a "Medical Home?"

A: Click here for Medical Home information

Q: What does "Part C" mean and how does it relate to early hearing detection and intervention?

A: One of the most important resources available to assist with EHDI programs is Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which was passed by Congress in 1997. IDEA is a continuation of the Education for Handicapped Children's Act passed in the mid 1970's—often referred to as the mainstreaming law. Part C of IDEA provides federal funding to assist states in providing early intervention services to children from birth through 36 months of age—including those with hearing loss.

The purpose of IDEA is to provide financial assistance to states to assist them in implementing statewide early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The wording "financial assistance" is important because it underscores the fact that the majority of funding for each state's early intervention program is really state money. The federal money assists, but it is a relatively small portion of the total amount required.

All states and territories are participating in Part C of IDEA and have created publicly funded early intervention programs. In order to receive federal funding, the state has to commit to make appropriate early intervention services to all infants and toddlers with disabilities in the state. They also must agree to develop a statewide system that includes several components that are particularly relevant to the operation of a successful EDHI program. For example, each state must define the criteria whereby infants and toddlers, including those with hearing loss, become eligible for the Part C program (eligibility PDF). Other components that are particularly relevant to EDHI include those dealing with child find, multidisciplinary evaluation, public awareness, and central information directory.