Lessons Learned From EHDI: Where Do We Go From Here?

Over the past 60 years, experts have made tremendous strides to establish and strengthen early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Today, approximately 97% of all newborns are screened for hearing loss prior to discharge from a birthing center or hospital (White, Forsman, Eichwald, & Muñoz, 2010). This level of hearing screening is a significant achievement that requires ongoing collaboration among program administrators, policymakers, service providers, and, most importantly, families and children with hearing loss. Although we have learned many lessons that have strengthened the efficiency of the EHDI system, challenges do remain. In this paper, we will share lessons learned in the trenches and provide insights into where we go from here.