Audiologists

What is the role of the audiologist in the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program?

• Completes initial diagnostic audiologic evaluation using a battery of physiological testing procedures (JCIH 2007).
• Reports the results of the diagnostic audiologic hearing evaluation to the child's PCP, including information that an infant was not successfully tested after being referred for testing.
• Reports to the Department of Health, using the Diagnostic Evaluation Reporting Form, the names of all children who received a diagnostic evaluation and those who were not successfully tested after being referred for a diagnostic evaluation.
• Makes a referral to Early Intervention for children diagnosed with permanent hearing loss and reports the date of referral to the Department of Health.
• Provides parents information about hearing and hearing loss, and communication and education options for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Fits children with amplification including hearing aids or other assistive technology; refers for consideration of cochlear implant candidacy when appropriate.

To review the complete Newborn Hearing Screening Program Guidelines, Click HERE.

What does an audiologist need to provide in order to perform a diagnostic audiologic evaluation?
The Newborn Hearing Screening Program Guidelines describe the steps involved in a diagnostic audiologic evaluation.

How does an audiologist report to the Pennsylvania Department of Health?
Audiologists should submit the PA Department of Health form "Diagnostic Evaluation Reporting Form" for all babies and children seen for a diagnostic audiologic evaluation.