Colorado Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Children in Colorado benefit from federal and state initiatives known as Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI). EHDI supports hearing screening, identification, and intervention efforts to ensure appropriate language, communication, and social development for children with hearing differences. Early identification of hearing differences allows time to provide intervention and support these children and their families in meeting language and communication milestones.

COEHDI has five components

1. Screening/rescreening and transition to identification
2. Identification and transition to early intervention
3. Early intervention and transition to preschool-age services
4. Family-to-family support
5. Deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind adult-to-family support, called the Ascent Program

National EHDI 1-3-6 Goal

1-month - Screening

The Newborn Hearing Screening tests hearing before infants are one-month-old. Screenings are quick and painless, and most babies sleep through them. If the infant does not pass the screening, they need further testing. It is important to follow up on all infants who do not pass their screening.

3 months - Identification/Diagnosis

Sometimes follow-up testing can show typical hearing levels. Other times, results identify hearing differences in one or both ears. It is essential to identify these levels as early as possible because they can impact a child’s communication and language development.

6 months - Early intervention

If your child has a hearing difference, early intervention resources can support both your child and family.
 

COEHDI Groups & Resources

The Alliance

The Alliance is a stakeholder advisory group that oversees COEHDI’s work. Members review task force recommendations and provide input. The Alliance provides balance and guidance for COEHDI work.

The Alliance includes up to 20 members from groups in the EHDI system such as:

• State agencies
• Family support organizations
• Higher education
• Early Intervention providers
• Part C services (Birth to 3)
• Part B services (Age 3-21)
• Families of deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind children
• Deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind adults

 

Workgroups

Workgroups are being developed to replace "Task Forces." Groups will be identified to include interested parties within the EHDI system.

• Workgroups will be developed in late 2025

 

Brochures and Print Materials

Newborn Hearing Screening (NBHS)

The newborn hearing screening (NBHS) brochure was created collaboratively by COEHDI staff, task force members, and Alliance members. It underwent extensive review by midwives, families, members of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities, and medical practitioners, among others.

The brochure is intended to be distributed to families of infants being screened, newborn hearing screeners, birthing center staff, midwives, primary care providers, and audiologists. 

Both versions are available in English, Spanish and ASL. A QR code is included on each version for access to the ASL translations which are also linked below.

Electronic Brochure

• If distributing resources electronically (e.g., email, social media, newsletters, etc.) then the electronic brochure versions are recommended.
  • English Electronic (PDF)
  • Spanish Electronic (PDF)
  • ASL Electronic Translation

 

Tri-Fold Print Brochure

• If distributing resources in print (e.g., handouts, brochures, inserts, etc.) then the tri-fold print brochure versions are recommended.
  • English Tri-Fold Print (PDF)
  • Spanish Tri-Fold Print (PDF)
  • ASL Tri-Fold Translation

 

Mailed to you

• Are you out of print forms or need additional copies? COEHDI will mail copies to your organization free of charge! 
• Please complete the order form below and allow up to 5 business days to process your order.
  • Order form
     

 

Unilateral Hearing Loss Infographic

• When babies have a hearing difference in one ear it is called a Unilateral Hearing Loss. This brochure was developed to be distributed to families of infants being screened, newborn hearing screeners, birthing center staff, midwives, primary care providers, and audiologists. 
  • Unilateral Hearing Loss - English (PDF)
  • Unilateral Hearing Loss - Spanish (PDF)

 

Program Contact

Colorado Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

Katie.Cue@state.co.us

COEHDI Director

Phone 720-457-3679