The Oregon Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) is dedicated to assuring that infants and young children in Oregon who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) are identified early and receive services to support language development. The first months of life are a critical period for developing language and communication skills. Early identification that an infant is deaf or hard of hearing and appropriate intervention enhance a child's potential for language development.
EHDI programs nationwide pursue universal newborn hearing screening by one month of age, diagnosis no later than three months of age for infants not passing the hearing screening, and enrollment in early intervention by six months of age for infants identified as D/HH.