Early Hearing Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention (EHDDI) Program

The Washington State Department of Health, Early Hearing Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention (EHDDI) program works to ensure that infants born in Washington State receive a hearing screening at birth, and if identified as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), receive essential early support services. It is important to find out if infants are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) as soon as possible. This information helps families and providers give infants the best possible support to develop their language and communication skills.

Hearing differences at birth are very common. About 1-3 per 1,000 infants are identified as DHH each year. In Washington, that is about 170 infants each year. Undetected, or late identification of hearing differences can lead to delays in speech, communication, language development, and delays in social, emotional development, and learning difficulties.

The EHDDI program follows the 1-3-6 goals, to ensure that infants in Washington are:

1 – Screened for hearing differences before hospital discharge or by one month of age

3 – Have a diagnostic hearing evaluation by an audiologist by three months of age (if the infant did not pass two screens)

6 – Enrolled in early support services by six months of age (if hearing differences were found)

For more information about this program, please visit the EHDDI program website.