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Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Program |
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VI. Iowa
Background and Current Status:
Initial funds to develop the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening program were provided by IDE to IDPH, utilizing Part C funds. Although most of Iowa’s hospitals screen babies for hearing loss, the number of newborns screened, referred, or who enter intervention programs are unknown. The newborn hearing system runs independently from all other programs.Some hospitals require informed consent for screening, others consider hearing screening a standard of care and do not require parental consent. Screening protocols vary among hospitals.
Proposed Tracking and Surveillance Activities:
A major goal of this project is to provide a framework within which hearing data can be reported. SIMS (OZ) software has been purchased with Part C funds. Data are proposed to flow from hospitals to state system (IDPH) on a monthly basis. A hospital can link to both AEAs and the state system.
IDPH will compile and maintain tracking system. Parents will be provided information on resources and services. Audiologists are working toward
standardized screening methods, monthly data submission, and tracking methods among all sites.
The software will allow for collection data on last onset and progressive hearing and monitoring of high-risk factors.
A goal of this project is to coordinate newborn hearing screening results with other state newborn screening systems (Birth Defects Registry
IBDR), Metabolic Screening, Review of Family Assets, Part C, Title V, AEAs. Vital Records Bureau have added fields related to newborn hearing screening on the EBC (implemented 2003). The IBDR will be asked to
consider using EHDI data to assist in the analysis of aggregate cluster data on family history. The
metabolic collection form with the hospital identification number may be used to match to EHDI data.
For more information about the Iowa program please contact:
Lenore Holte
(319) 356-8284
Mail to: lenore-holte@uiowa.edu
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VII. Maine
Background and Current Status:
In 2000, Maine passed legislation formally establishing the Maine Newborn Hearing Program. The legislation did not mandate newborn hearing screening. However, it did require birthing hospitals to inform new parents of the importance of hearing screening and intervention. If a birthing hospital does not provide screening, it is required to refer parents to a provider who does. Hospitals and other screening providers are required to report the results of screening to the Maine Newborn Hearing Program (MNHP). Two new positions were authorized to carry out MNHP activities and a special Advisory Board will be created to provide oversight.
In a 1999 survey of birthing hospitals, only 31% reported offering screening to all newborns. 39% of newborns were born in those hospitals. Newborn hearing screening results were not centrally tracked, so evaluating the effectiveness of screening activities is impossible. Almost half of all birthing hospitals have less than 200 deliveries a year, which presents a challenge to the new program.
Another major challenge is the lack of access in much of rural Maine (a significant portion of the state) to diagnostic audiological services and early intervention services for children with hearing loss.
Proposed Tracking and Surveillance Activities:
Newborn hearing information and reports from hospitals and audiologists will be linked monthly with electronic birth certificates and newborn bloodspot screening data. Birth defects program data will be used when available.
The project will collaborate with the University of Maine at Orono (UMO) to develop the surveillance and tracking system. UMO is developing the Children At-Risk Database (CARD) and will establish linkage with the Maine Hearing Program surveillance in the electronic birth certificate/newborn bloodspot screening activities.
Methods for screening and follow up will be developed to ensure accurate data collection and tracking of infants screened for hearing impairment for use by birthing hospitals and by audiologic diagnostic centers.
Technical assistance will be provided to birthing hospitals to promote the development and improvement of hospital based screening programs. Funding for grants to hospitals will be sought to assist in their efforts. Birthing hospitals with hearing screening programs will identify a contact person on their staff who will work with the Maine Newborn Hearing Program - a model established in Maine’s bloodspot screening
program. To increase access to pediatric audiologic diagnostic evaluation and intervention services, the project will conduct a survey of licensed audiologists, provide special training opportunities for audiologists, and work to establish better referral networks among state organizations and providers. The project will explore ways to facilitate recruitment of qualified audiologists in under served areas of Maine.
The project will develop guidelines for hearing screening, audiologic evaluation and intervention and develop informational materials for families. The project will use the Advisory Board and the Children with Special Health Needs Program for review of the new materials.
For more information about the Maine program please contact:
Eleanor Mulcahy
(207) 287-4623
Mail to: eleanor.a.mulcahy@state.me.us
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Date:
October 27, 2006
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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