We are proud to consider the members of the JCIH as Sooners in our field. The coordinators must also constantly monitor the quality of the EHDI program and offer suggestions for improvement as needed.ĭuring times of economic hardship, all government-funded programs are at risk, so we in audiology must ensure that our EHDI programs are as effective as possible for future viability. State EHDI coordinators ensure screening and follow-up information is tracked and given to a national database.The PCP identifies risk factors for hearing loss and monitors developmental milestones to determine the need for audiologic assessment. The birthing center and the state EHDI coordinator are responsible for communicating the results of the hearing screening to the child's primary-care provider (PCP) and family along with appropriate follow-up information.The 2007 statement suggests an approach for addressing the “loss-to-follow-up” issue: However, as many as half those who are referred for follow-up assessment and intervention, fail to do so in a timely manner. receive a hearing screening prior to hospital discharge. Again, why wait 3 months? LOSS TO FOLLOW-UPĬurrent data suggest that 95% of infants born in the U.S. But, considering the importance of all aspects of intervention (particularly aural habilitation and family support), we contend that the 1-3-4 rule for hearing aids should apply to intervention across the board. In fact, the 1-3-6 goal is still cited in the 2007 statement. So, in a sense, 1-3-6 can now be considered as 1-3-4. Our new goal should be to fit hearing aids by 4 months of age. Apparently the JCIH did too, since it now calls for hearing aids to be fitted within 1 month of diagnosis. But, more recently, audiologists wondered why 3 months should pass between the identification of hearing loss at 3 months and intervention. The 2000 statement indicated that hearing aids should be fitted in a “timely fashion” following a diagnosis of hearing loss.īefore 2000, many children with hearing loss went undetected until after their second birthday, so the 1-3-6 goal was a vast step forward. Audiologists strive to complete screening for hearing loss by 1 month of age, conduct diagnostic assessment by 3 months, and start intervention by 6 months. Since 2000, the EHDI mantra of 1-3-6 has served as the benchmark for infant hearing healthcare. Secondly, children who pass the initial screening but have a risk factor for hearing loss should receive at least one diagnostic audiologic assessment before age 3. Because it is not uncommon for children born with unilateral hearing loss to develop a loss bilaterally, those who fail the initial screening in one ear should be rescreened in both ears. Two other changes related to screening and assessment deserve mention. For those whose speech and language development is not adequately supported by amplification, the JCIH notes positive outcomes with cochlear implants.
#Sooner than later trial
The JCIH now recommends auditory brainstem response (ABR) screenings for children who spend more than 5 days in the NICU.Īlso, because of data indicating some success with hearing aid use, the committee suggests that any child with neural hearing loss undergo trial hearing aid use. If this population receives only otoacoustic emission (OAE) screenings, many of their hearing disorders will go undetected. This is necessitated by recent estimates suggesting that as many as 40% of the NICU graduates who are diagnosed with a hearing loss have AN/AD.
One of the most salient updates regards the management of children with auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony (AN/AD) type hearing loss (i.e., neural hearing loss).įor screening programs, the committee revised the definition to include neural hearing loss in infants admitted to the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).
So, what's new from the JCIH Sooners? Let's recap highlights of its latest position statement, Principles for Early Hearing and Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Programs, revised in 2007. And, as on any new frontier, discoveries and advancing technology fueled the path of change. Long before newborn hearing screenings took center stage, JCIH worked diligently to chart a course for America's infants and children.
Members of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) also deserve the Sooner title. Some were so eager they jumped the gun to stake out land plots before the race officially began, thus earning the name Sooners. It's a name derived from the state's early settlers who arrived on an untamed landscape eager to claim a piece of the American dream…land.
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