2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
Opening Plenary: Success Starts Hear! by Dr. Teresa Caraway. and Dr. Jace Wolfe
Excellent outcomes are probable for infants born with hearing loss when they receive evidence-based early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) services shortly after birth. The early identification of hearing loss (i.e., by no later than three months of age) is the critical first step in maximizing the outcomes of children with hearing differences. This presentation will emphasize important considerations as EHDI stakeholders implement newborn hearing screening so that every baby receives the benefit of newborn hearing screening.
One consideration is that first, families must be aware of the importance of newborn hearing screening and to act urgently should their baby fail a screening. An innovative approach to improving awareness for expectant parents, Starts Hear, a national public health campaign will be discussed. A summary of the design, strategy, and the success of the Starts Hear campaign messaging throughout pregnancy before birth will be shared. The Starts Hear campaign supports EHDI systems and programs in raising expectant parents awareness on the importance of knowing their baby’s hearing status to early childhood development, their baby’s newborn hearing screening result, and the need to follow-up when their baby does not pass the screening.
Another consideration for EHDI stakeholders is supporting the family after their baby’s hearing difference has been identified. The importance of identifying and linking a family’s desired outcomes for their baby to an evidence-based intervention plan customized to achieve those outcomes will be discussed. Additionally, EHDI stakeholders should be aware and solve to overcome social disparities that often present barriers to excellent EHDI services and outcomes. This presentation will identify opportunities for EHDI stakeholders to work collaboratively together beginning with awareness to overcome existing barriers and enhance opportunities for excellent outcomes for every child born with hearing differences. Case study examples will be provided throughout the presentation to reinforce learning objectives, and EHDI stakeholders will be directed to a portfolio of free digital tools and resources designed to support EHDI systems and programs to optimize EHDI outcomes for all babies.
- Describe at least three methods the Starts Hear public awareness campaign uses to raise awareness of the importance of newborn hearing screening.
- Describe at least three outcome measures that demonstrate the success of the Starts Hear campaign.
- Describe at least two considerations and opportunities for EHDI stakeholders to optimize EHDI outcomes.
Presenter: Teresa Caraway
Teresa H. Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO of the Oberkotter-Foundation and Hearing First, supports families and professionals on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) journey through advancing science and innovation, raising awareness, increasing access and education and coordinated hearing health care. With more than 35 years experience in Auditory-Verbal practice, consulting, and presenting, Dr. Caraway thrives on leading change in knowledge, skills, and systems so that individuals with hearing loss can reach their full auditory potential. Dr. Caraway has served as the Founding CEO of Hearing First, Founding President of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language and Co-Founder and Executive Co-Director of Hearts for Hearing. She served on the Board of Auditory-Verbal International and was a founding board member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Oberkotter Foundation.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Jace Wolfe, Ph.D., is the Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Oberkotter Foundation. He is author of the textbook entitled “Cochlear Implants: Audiologic Management and Considerations for Implantable Hearing Devices,” and he is co-editor (with Carol Flexer, Jane Madell, and Erin Schafer) of the textbooks “Pediatric Audiology: Diagnosis, Technology, and Management, Third Edition” and “Pediatric Audiology Casebook, Second Edition.” He is also a co-author of the textbook entitled “Programming Cochlear Implants, Third Edition,” and he has published over 130 book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed and trade journals. His areas of interests are pediatric hearing healthcare and overcoming barriers that prevent children with hearing loss from reaching their full potential.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.