Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (LA EHDI)

Approximately 100 babies in Louisiana are identified as deaf or hard of hearing each year. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) process helps to ensure that all families of deaf or hard of hearing children receive the support they need to help their children learn, grow and thrive. Identifying babies as early as possible through newborn hearing screening is important to prevent developmental delays. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing should receive early intervention services as soon as possible – at least before a baby is 6 months old, but earlier is better – in order to develop communication and language skills similar to their peers.

It takes a team of healthcare professionals to get a child through the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) process, from the initial screening to enrollment in early intervention services. Birthing facilities, pediatricians, and audiologists play different roles in this process, but share a common goal of ensuring that all children who are deaf or hard of hearing can develop essential language skills and communicate effectively. It is important to tell parents that continuous interaction and communication are critical to their child meeting developmental milestones. Both verbal and non-verbal communication will help parents bond with their baby and lay the groundwork for the baby’s language and communication skills.

Reporting Results

Audiologists are required to report the following:

  • Initial results from all infant newborn hearing screenings, regardless of whether the baby passed or needed additional testing.
  • Rescreening and/or diagnostic testing results on all infants who needed follow-up testing, regardless of whether the baby passed or needed additional testing.
  • All results on any child (ages birth to 5 years old) identified with a hearing loss for the first time.
  • All results on any child (ages birth to 5 years old) fitted with a hearing aid or cochlear implant for the first time.
  • Every child that is considered lost to follow-up. Report information on any child who did not appear for their rescreening or diagnostic testing appointments and who is now considered to be lost to follow-up for your facility.

Testing results should be reported on the EHDI Follow-up Services Report (FSR) Form. This form should be faxed to 504-568-5854, emailed to laehdi@la.gov, or entered into the LA EHDI-IS Database within 7 days.

Helpful Links from EHDI

Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (LA EHDI) ›
More detailed information about the program and associated services.

Children's Special Health Services ›
Our partner program ensuring all children and youth with special health care needs in Louisiana have access to the services they need.

LA EHDI-IS Database ›
Hospital staff, audiologists, and pediatricians can access the LA EHDI-IS Database to view their patients' hearing results.

Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) Position Statement ›
See the latest recommendations for how to address issues that are important for early identification, intervention, and follow-up care.

LA EHDI Hospital Guidelines for Newborn Hearing Screening ›
A guide for birthing hospitals to implement quality hearing screening programs based on best practices, Louisiana law, and rules and regulations of the legislation.

Contact Us!

If you have any questions contact the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program using the information below. 

Phone: 504.599.1086
Fax: 504.568.5854
Email: laehdi@la.gov