The Pennsylvania Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health seeks to assure
that all babies:

- receive a hearing screening test within one month of birth to determine possible hearing loss;
- receive diagnostic testing by 3 months of age to determine the type and degree of hearing loss;
- receive prescribed treatment or intervention services by 6 months of age

These standards are consistent with The Infant Hearing Education, Assessment, Reporting and Referral (IHEARR) Act (Act 89 of 2001) as well as the Health Resources and Services Administration’s and Healthy Peo0ple 2010 Objectives of Newborn Hearing Screening.

Newborns receive a hearing screening test while still in the hospital. Newborns who do not pass the first hearing screening test may receive a second hearing screening test before discharge or after they go home (outpatient). If an infant does not pass the second hearing screening test, his/her primary care provider (PCP) is notified. The PCP directs and coordinates the follow-up evaluation and referral process within the child’s medical home. Usually, the PCP refers the infant to an audiologist with the expertise to perform a diagnostic evaluation of infant hearing loss.

The Newborn Hearing Screening Program Guidelines provide more information about the responsibilities of birth facilities, primary care physicians and pediatric audiologists in caring for children with a potential or diagnosed hearing loss.

Reporting Forms/Instructions
For birth hospitals, birth centers and midwives:
Newborn Hearing Screening Program – Screening Reporting Form (to be completed for each newborn) (PDF)
Birth Hospital Monthly Reporting Form (PDF)
Birth Center and Midwife Monthly Reporting Form (PDF)

For audiologists:
Diagnostic Evaluation Reporting Form (PDF)

Technical Assistance
Technical assistance is available to primary care physicians, birth hospitals and pediatric audiologists. Please contact the Pennsylvania Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program for further information.

PA EHDI Annual Report-2009. Click here for more information (PDF)
PA EHDI Annual Report-2008. Click here for more information (PDF)

Contact Information
Pennsylvania Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program
Bureau of Family Health
Division of Newborn Screening & Genetics
625 Forster Street
7th Floor, East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
717-783-8143 or 1-877-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)
nbhs@state.pa.us