Our Work

Hearing Monitoring

EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSING EARLY HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss is the most prevalent handicapping condition present at birth, affecting an estimated two children per 1,000 born. When a child’s hearing loss is identified early and intervention initiated, success in school and beyond is greatly enhanced.

In partnership with the State Department of Public Health’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, CHDI supports pediatric primary care practices in monitoring hearing in young children and caring for children with hearing loss.

Through our Educating Practices program, child health providers learn about:

  • Audiology services in their communities
  • Risk factors associated with hearing loss
  • Early intervention and family support services
  • State guidelines for screening for cytomegalovirus and other risk factors

We also collaborate with the Department of Public Health on a coaching program for pediatric primary care providers who are caring for a baby with hearing loss.

  • A pediatrician calls providers and works with them to ensure that the baby receives all of the follow-up services recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, including:
    • Ophthalmology, genetics and otolaryngology consults
    • Connection to early intervention and family support services
  • Participating pediatricians can receive Maintenance of Certification credit for meeting all of the linkage and treatment goals for babies with hearing loss

Because peer support is so important for families raising children with hearing loss, CHDI partners with the Connecticut chapter of Hands and Voices to ensure that families caring for children with hearing loss are connected to family support services. CT Hands and Voices has a peer support program for parents who are just learning of their child’s hearing loss. Guide by Your Side offers intense support to parents who are make decisions about early intervention and communication modes.

Contact us to learn more about our early hearing monitoring efforts.