2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Retrospective Review of EHDI 1-3-6 and 1-2-3 Outcomes at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware (2020–2025)
Retrospective Review of EHDI 1-3-6 and 1-2-3 Outcomes at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware (2020–2025)
This retrospective review evaluates the demographic data and screening timelines for infants at Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from 2020 to 2025, focusing on early hearing detection and intervention outcomes. The study examines the system’s performance against both the traditional EHDI 1-3-6 benchmarks—screening by 1 month, diagnosis by 3 months, and intervention by 6 months—and the updated 1-2-3 model, which calls for diagnosis and intervention by 2 and 3 months, respectively, in line with the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) 2019 Position Statement.
Methods involved a systematic chart review of newborns who received a second hearing screening during the study period. Demographic characteristics, the timing of initial and secondary screening, diagnostic unsedated auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, and the infants’ access to early intervention services. Comparison across sites provided insight into adherence to recommended timeframes.
Results showed that most infants completed their initial hearing screen within the first month, demonstrating strong compliance with screening goals. Progress was also noted in timely diagnoses, reflecting readiness for the newer, more rigorous 1-2-3 standards. However, gaps persisted, particularly among certain populations and enrolling in intervention, revealing ongoing disparities that necessitate targeted improvement efforts.
The review concludes that Nemours Children’s Health is aligned with current EHDI goals for screening and diagnosis and is prepared to meet the stricter 1-2-3 guidelines but still has work to do with enrolling children in intervention programs. To address remaining delays and promote equity in outcomes for infants with suspected hearing loss, the findings underscore the importance of enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration, improved stakeholder communication, and greater access to resources. Continued efforts are needed to optimize timelines and ensure all infants receive timely, effective hearing health care.
- List two factors contributing to delay in diagnosis before three and/or two months.
- List two the factors contributing to the delay in enrolling in early intervention by six and/or three months.
- Compare adherence to timelines for EHDI 1-3-6 versus 1-2-3 Goals
Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Julie Verhoff
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), Nemours Children's Health, Julie.Verhoff@nemours.org;
Dr. Julie Verhoff, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, is Audiology Manager at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware. With expertise in early hearing detection, cochlear implants, and clinician training, she has held leadership and clinical roles at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, The River School, Chattering Children, Gallaudet University, and the House Ear Institute. She teaches as an adjunct professor at several universities and holds degrees from the University of New Mexico, University of Texas at Dallas, and Gallaudet University. Dr. Verhoff is the vice-chair of the Delaware Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, sits on boards for the American Speech Language Hearing Association, and is active in the American Academy of Audiology. She also contributed to humanitarian hearing health initiatives in Mongolia, Nepal, Mozambique, South Africa, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Nemours Children's Health.
Nature: salaried employee.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.