2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/16/2026 | 10:35 AM - 11:05 AM | Using EHDI Data Beyond 1-3-6 to make Informed EHDI Program Decisions | City Terrace 11
Using EHDI Data Beyond 1-3-6 to make Informed EHDI Program Decisions
Approximately 10,000 newborns are screened annually in Rhode Island. Traditionally, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program uses hearing screening data to assess program performance against the national 1-3-6 benchmarks. In 2025, the program broadened its approach and began using hearing screening data for deeper programmatic decision-making. One strategy included evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of overall hearing loss identification based on state hearing screening protocols and across degrees of hearing loss.
Additionally, Rhode Island developed a competency evaluation framework for its 48 hospital-based newborn hearing screeners, incorporating metrics such as screening volume, inpatient otoacoustic emission referral rates, and documentation accuracy. A third strategy involved collaboration with Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to analyze coding alignment for late onset hearing loss reporting. A comparison was made of audiology diagnosis code billing data to the diagnosis data reported by audiologists to the state EHDI program.
- Identify key data points used to calculate sensitivity and specificity in newborn hearing screening programs to evaluate program effectiveness.
- List strategies to assess the accuracy of screening and audiology data sent to the EHDI program including performance and documentation indicators.
- Identify three expanded data strategies that can be integrated into broader EHDI program decision-making to enhance quality and accountability.
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Presenters/Authors
William Arias MPH
(Author), Rhode Island Department of Health, william.arias@health.ri.gov;
Will Arias received an MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health. Will provides epidemiology support to the Rhode Island Maternal and Child Health programs, including EHDI.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Gail McDonald MSCCC-A
(Primary Presenter), RI Department of Health, gail.mcdonald.ctr@health.ri.gov;
Gail McDonald is currently the administrative audiologist for their Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program. Previously she was the Owner On-Site Audiology LLC, Providing Educational Audiology, Diagnostic testing. She also has clinical audiology experience working with all ages infants through adults.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Liza Then
(Co-Presenter), RI DOH, liza.then@health.ri.gov;
Liza is currently the manager for the Newborn Hearing Screening program and is the EHDI coordinator for Rhode Island. Liza provides oversight for the project and coordinate with other relevant statewide efforts. She previously worked as a parent consultant, and a Community Liaison for RIDOH’s Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program. Dr. Then is fluent in written and spoken Spanish.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Rhode Island Department of Health.
Nature: non-financial disclosure .
Nonfinancial -
Non-Financial relationship with Rhode Island Department of Health.
Nature: non-financial disclosure .