GOALS
Goal #1
States will achieve universal newborn hearing
screening (a minimum of 85% of births).
- Increase number of births screened.
- Decrease false positive rate by decreasing refer rate before
discharge.
- Identify system/process of transition from screening to
diagnosis
- Increase number of referrals who receive diagnostic evaluations.
Goal #2
States will achieve diagnosis of hearing loss
by 4 months of age and begin intervention by 6 months of age.
- For all infants referred from screening, identify those
with hearing loss by 3-4 months of age.
- Counsel and educate parents fully about intervention options,
including options for communication methods.
- Refer for and begin intervention by 5-6 months of age.
Goal #3
States will document the developmental profiles
of infants and toddlers with hearing loss.
- Monitor developmental profiles of infants and toddlers with
hearing loss.
- Evaluate the system of care based on developmental profiles
of children.
Goal #4
State MCH programs will have coordinated systems
for newborn hearing screening, diagnosis and early intervention.
- Clarify roles of MCH directors, DSHPSHWA personnel, and
coordinators for newborn hearing screening, diagnosis and
intervention.
- Establish advisory board.
- Develop and maintain network for newborn hearing screening,
diagnosis, and early intervention.
- Develop a data management system that will link birthing
sites to the state Department of Health.
- Facilitate systems building.
