EHDI is a program implemented at the state level with collaboration and support from federal, state, and private organizations to provide newborn hearing screens before an infant is discharged from the hospital. EHDI identifies 2 to 3 infants per 1000 births with moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss across the country. To learn more about the National program, click here. 

In Idaho, EHDI's newborn screening program is called Idaho Sound Beginnings (ISB). Idaho Sound Beginnings provides screening equipment, updates, data management, screening training and follow up reports to Idaho birthing hospitals and midwifery centers.  In addition, ISB follows up with those parents of babies who refer, those that are diagnosed with a hearing loss and those who may have certain risk factors which put them at a higher risk for late onset hearing loss.  Idaho Sound Beginnings works closely with hospitals, midwifes, audiologists and early intervention specialists to ensure that every baby born in Idaho is screened for hearing loss at birth and if diagnosed, are given appropriate intervention opportunities and support. 

To learn more about Idaho Sound Beginnings, click here.