Hearing loss is the most common birth defect, occurring at a rate of three in every 1,000 children. The first months of life are a critical period for developing speech and language skills. Early identification of a hearing loss and appropriate intervention enhances a child's potential for speech and language development.

The goal of Oregon's Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program is to have newborns screened for a possible hearing loss by one month of age, identify congenital hearing loss in children by three months of age and enroll them in appropriate early intervention by six months of age.

Upcoming Meetings of the Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee:

• April 5, 2012, 9am - 12pm; Location - Tucker-Maxon Oral School
• June 28, 2012, 9am - 12pm; Location - Willamette Education Service District
• October 4, 2012, 9am - 12pm; Location - Oregon School for the Deaf

For Providers

• Forms
• Protocols
• Facilities
• Loaner Hearing Aids
• OVERS Hearing Screening Module
• Newborn Hearing Screening Workshop November 3, 2011
• Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee April 5, 2011
• Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee June 2, 2011
• Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee October 5, 2011
• Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee January 5, 2012
• EHDI Calendar 2010-2011
• Hi-Track Data 2007-2009

For Parents

• Screening
• Follow-Up
• Early Intervention/Family Services