The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program (EHDI) ensures all Georgia babies are screened for hearing loss before 1 month old, promoting early detection and treatment for better language and brain development. This program follows the 1-3-6 guideline:
- Screening before 1 month
- Evaluation before 3 months
- Intervention by 6 months if needed
EHDI collaborates with hospitals, doctors, and audiologists, providing training and assistance for effective newborn hearing screening. Early screening is crucial for language development, as hearing issues are often not identified until age 2 without it. Early detection and treatment provide better outcomes, even for otherwise healthy babies with no family history of hearing problems.
For more information about eligibility, services provided, and enrollment into the program please contact:
Child Health
1306 S. Slappey Blvd, Suite B
Albany, GA 31701
229-299-4447
Georgia Department of Public Health: https://dph.georgia.gov/EDHI