The Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (LA EHDI) Program
Communication is Key
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The Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (LA EHDI) program supports coordinated systems of care that ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HH) receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention (EI) and family to family support.
It is important to identify a baby's hearing level as early as possible so families can figure out the best way to communicate with them. Hearing screening is the first step in finding out if a child is deaf or hard of hearing. Louisiana law mandates that all babies be screened prior to hospital discharge. EHDI follows the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing's Position Statement and national benchmarks for hearing screening no later than 1 month of age, diagnosis no later than 3 months of age for infants who did not pass the screening, and enrollment in early intervention services no later than 6 months of age for those identified as D/HH. Enrollment in early intervention as soon as possible plays an important part in helping children who are deaf or hard of hearing reach their full potential.
The state-mandated Advisory Council for the Early Identification of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants meets quarterly to provide guidance to the Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program. The Council is comprised of Deaf representatives, parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and Healthcare and Educational Professionals. For information about meetings and vacancies, please visit the Family Health Boards and Commissions page.
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