Fund the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI).

I am writing as a concerned constituent, asking you to ensure the full staffing and funding of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI). It first passed Congress in 1999 and was last renewed in 2022. It is aimed at identifying and serving infants with hearing loss through universal newborn hearing screening, diagnostic follow-up, and early intervention services. Prior to EHDI and universal newborn screening, less than 10 percent of newborns in the U.S. were screened for hearing loss. Now, 98 percent of newborns are screened for hearing loss in the U.S. annually—data collected by the CDC. Before the Federal EHDI program was initiated with implementation in the 50 states, the average age for hearing loss identification in young children was between two and three years of age. This delay meant many children missed the critical period for language development. EHDI programs include hearing screening, audiological diagnostic evaluations, and early intervention (including medical services, early intervention programs, and family support) to enhance language, communication, cognitive and social skill development—all needed to support a child’s success in education and other aspects of life. Children with severe to profound hearing loss who receive early intervention achieve age-appropriate language whereas those who receive services after 18 months typically approach typical language but on average do not reach the same language milestones (Cejas, JAMA Oto, 2023). The CDC role for EHDI focuses on how states are carrying out the Act and whether they are meeting the 1-3-6 guideline. Most recently, state EHDI programs were charged with completing language assessment of children; this element is documented by the CDC providing national data on progress in serving children and where programmatic changes need to be made. The data collection and assessment functions previously completed by the CDC has been cut by the latest DOGE reductions. If CDC staff are not reinstated, data critical to successful early screening and intervention will be lost. Children affected will lose life-long opportunities.