Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI)

Announcement: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division is proposing to amend Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) in chapter 333, division 20, “Early Hearing Detection and Intervention” and adopt new rules in this division to reorganize and update rules relating to hearing screening requirements. Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division is proposing to adopt new rules in OAR in chapter 333, division 20 relating to the passage of HB 2685 (Oregon Laws 2025, Chapter 488) during the 2025 legislative session and permanently amend OAR 333, division 077 relating to birthing centers and OAR 333, divisions 505 and 520 relating to hospitals to ensure compliance with new congenital cytomegalovirus screening requirements.

To view the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and information on public commenting, visit our Legislation and Policy Page.

Oregon Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program helps identify and support children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) and their families through a universal hearing screening program. Our team is dedicated to providing information and resources to parents, caregivers, families, and providers as children complete hearing screenings, follow up appointments, and enrollment in early intervention services.

The OHA EHDI program works towards these important EHDI 1-3-6 goals:
1 - Newborn hearing screening by 1 month of age
3 - Diagnostic hearing evaluation for children who do not pass their hearing screening
by 3 months of age
6 - Identified Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) children are enrolled in Early Intervention (EI)
services by 6 months of age

The first months of life are an important time to begin developing language and communication skills. Infant hearing screenings help identify hearing differences early. Early identification of deaf and hard of hearing children allows families to access tools and resources that can support language and communication development. Additionally, some hearing differences can be related to other health conditions, and it may be important to follow up with your child's medical team.

Program Statement on Multiple Identities:

The OHA EHDI Program recognizes and values the wide range of identities people hold and choose to identify with. People may self-identify as deaf, Deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, a person with hearing loss, Deaf Plus, Deaf+, a person with a hearing difference, Deaf Disabled, etc. The OHA EHDI Program often uses “deaf and hard of hearing,” in an all-inclusive manner. We may use the term “hearing loss” when talking about a medical diagnosis.