2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/10/2025 | 3:10 PM - 3:40 PM | New Program tools for EHDI Programs Utilizing the EHDI-PALS Directory | 301
New Program tools for EHDI Programs Utilizing the EHDI-PALS Directory
The Early Hearing Detection & Intervention - Pediatric Audiology Links to Services (EHDI-PALS) is an online portal and web directory for parents and professionals in need of finding age appropriate, qualified pediatric audiologists in their communities. It is a comprehensive, user-friendly one stop shop containing information and resources for families and professionals searching for guidance and resources on childhood hearing loss. It contains a bank of educational materials on all aspects of pediatric audiology, and it contains a backend framework of built in tools designed to assist the EHDI Coordinator with state program follow-up efforts.
More than 1600 pediatric audiology facilities have enrolled by completing a detailed online facility survey developed by a committee of national experts. The survey, based on current best practice standards in diagnostics, amplification and cochlear implants employs a built-in algorithm which determines if a facility is eligible to be listed.
Collaborating with EHDI Coordinators has proven to revitalize outdated clinics, increase provider participation and parental usage. Enhancements driven by EHDI Coordinators/program requests are ongoing.
This presentation will provide an overview of the EHDI-PALS portal, highlighting key updates and enhancements. These improvements are designed to support state EHDI program quality efforts.
- Describe what the EHDI-PALS portal is and its primary purpose
- Describe the resources and tools available to families, professionals, audiologists and EHDI Coordinators
- Describe recent enhancements and updates to the program
Presentation:
3545975_18299RandiWinston-Gerson.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Randi Winston-Gerson
(Primary Presenter,Author), NCHAM, randi.winston@infanthearing.org;
Randi consults on a variety of EHDI related projects with the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM). She maintains her role as program manager for NCHAM’s Newborn Hearing Screening Training Curriculum (NHSTC), the EHDI-PALS Directory and the Newborn Hearing Screening Virtual Site Visit (VSV) Program. She has co-authored several research articles involving newborn and early childhood screening.
From 1998– 2015 she maintained the role of consulting audiologist for The EAR Foundation of Arizona and Arizona's EHDI Program which included the implementation of newborn hearing and early childhood screening programs. The emphasis of her work included program quality, systems development, and best practices. During that time she served on NCHAM’s Technical Assistance Network, assisting states in Region X with their EHDI program development efforts.
From 2015-2018 she served as Hearing Screening Program Manager at Audiology Systems.
Randi holds doctorate of audiology, is state licensed in Arizona and a member of AAA and ASHA. She serves as co-director of the Arizona Special Olympics Healthy Hearing Program.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with NCHAM.
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.