Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) 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) in Oregon. The OHA EHDI Program 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 completed 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

Early identification of deaf and hard of hearing children allows families to access tools and resources that can support language and communication development during the first few months of life. Some hearing differences can be related to other health conditions so it is important to follow up with your child's medical team.

Resources for Parents, Families, and Caregivers

Resources for Providers and Professionals

EHDI Program

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.