The goal for follow-up for successful early hearing detection and intervention is 1-3-6:
- Before 1 month old, complete initial newborn hearing screening.
- By 3 months old, complete an appropriate audiological diagnostic assessment on infants failing screening, or rescreening.
- Before 6 months old, fit amplification and begin early intervention services.
Infants who need further testing due to failed initial hearing screening
- Infants failing the newborn screening are to be referred for follow-up rescreening as soon as possible within two to four weeks from hospital discharge.
- Infants failing the hospital screening must be referred to the primary care physician or to a licensed audiologist for follow-up rescreening.
Infants who need further testing due to failed follow-up rescreening
- The audiologist or physician should help the parents to make arrangements for the diagnostic testing at the time of the failed rescreening.
- If possible, diagnostic testing should be performed during the same visit as the rescreening or as soon as possible.
- Only appropriately credentialed and qualified audiologists who possess a valid state license should perform follow-up diagnostic testing.
Diagnosis and evaluation of the type and degree of hearing loss should be completed by the time the child is 3 months of age
