Resources

Auditory Impairment (AI) Eligibility Guidance for Infants and Toddlers (0 - 3) with Suspected or Diagnosed Hearing Loss
Left undetected, infant/early childhood hearing loss can negatively impact speech and language acquisition, academic achievement, and social and emotional development. If detected, during the "critical period" for language development (birth – 3 years of life), these negative impacts can be diminished and even eliminated through early intervention.

Dramatic benefits including larger vocabulary and better receptive and expressive language have been associated with early identification and intervention for hearing loss initiated before 6 months of age. Therefore, it is recommended that children with hearing loss receive educational intervention at the earliest possible age in order to maximize their potential to master the intricacies of communication and language development.

To ensure early initiation of services, it is further recommended that IFSP teams work to expedite the receipt of audiological and medical data sufficient to confirm the presence of a hearing impairment or deafness and determine an appropriate intervention plan. The IFSP may include the need for more comprehensive audiological or medical information but the provision of early intervention services should not be delayed once the IFSP team has determined there is sufficient evaluation data to meet basic eligibility criteria.

AI Eligibility Guidance (2008)
http://www.region10.org/SpecialEducation/documents/AIEligibility0-3GuidanceRvsns.11.09FINAL.pdf

Principles and Guidelines for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills.  The earlier children with hearing loss start getting services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. Information for EHDI providers, families and the greater community can be found here.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/index.html

Texas Connect
Educational materials for families of infants and young children with hearing loss
The Texas Connect materials are designed as a resource for families of infants and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing and as tools for early intervention service providers who work with families.
http://www.utdallas.edu/calliercenter/txconnect/

Year 2007 Position Statement: Principles and Guidelines for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs, Joint Committee on Infant Hearing
The mission of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing is to address issues that are important to the early identification, intervention and follow-up care for infants and young children with hearing loss. The committee's history and position statements dating from 1971 - 2007 can be found here.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/120/4/898ijkey=oj9BAleq21OlA&keytype=ref&siteid=aapjournals