Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program (EHDI)
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) is a part of the Michigan Department of Community Health and works with hospitals and clinics to identify newborns and infants who have a hearing loss.  While the hospitals do the hearing screens on the newborns, the EHDI program is working with community providers and developing information for families.  The EHDI program goals for the first six months of life include the following: 

The goals for the EHDI Program are called "1-3-6".

"1" - All infants are screened for hearing loss before 1 month of age, preferably before hospital discharge.

"3" - All infants who do not pass the screening will have a diagnostic audiologic evaluation before 3 months of age.

"6" - All infants identified with a hearing loss receive appropriate early intervention services before 6 months of age.

Even if your baby passes the newborn hearing test, hearing can change.  A baby can develop a hearing loss after birth because of middle ear infections or fluid in the middle ear (the most common cause of hearing loss in childhood).  Family history of hearing loss or illness such as measles, mumps or meningitis can also affect hearing.  If your baby has three or more ear infections, or if you suspect a hearing or speech problem, tell your baby's doctor right away.  If further hearing testing is recommended, it is essential to follow through. View the EHDI brochure.

In 2004 out of 121,000 infants that were checked for hearing loss in Michigan, 150 were reported to have a hearing loss through EHDI.

EHDI Program Contacts:
Follow-Up Consultant:  Michelle Garcia, 517/335-8878
Parent Consultant:  Kylie Sharp, 517/335-8273
Nurse Consultant:  Debby Behringer,  517/335-8875
Audiology Consultant: Lorie Lang, 517/335-9125
TTY:  517/335-8246
Fax: 517/335-8036

The EHDI Crib Card is one of the products available for ordering at no cost from the EHDI project. Please fax (517) 335-8036, mail or call 517-335-8955, in your EHDI Crib Card order.
The crib card is form number DCH-1223, or 1223S (Spanish), or 1223A (Arabic).

What is the Guide-By-Your-Side-Program?
The Guide-By-Your-Side Program is an exciting program that provides an opportunity for a family who has just learned of their child’s hearing loss to meet with another parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child. These are parents who understand what the new family may be experiencing and can answer their questions. The program serves families of children 0-6 years of age.

2) An understanding of the unique needs of infants and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing;

3) Answers to questions or links to other knowledgeable resources available locally, regionally, statewide or even nationally;

4) An interactive Parent notebook that helps parents and/or caregivers the opportunity to keep track of their child’s appointments, progress and other valuable information.

5) An introduction to the Early On®, local school district, or other agencies/organizations who may be able to provide you and your child with additional support;

6) An introduction to other parent support opportunities available to families of a deaf or hard of hearing child in Michigan.