Current concepts in universal newborn hearing screening and early hearing detection and intervention programs.

Newborns are routinely screened for hearing loss; screening typically occurs in the newborn nursery and newborn intensive care unit. Understanding the process and outcomes of initial hearing screening and ongoing early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDI) are important roles of the newborn/neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurse. Infants that require NICU care are at higher risk of hearing loss and need close follow-up and repeat hearing testing throughout their first 3 years of life. Parents experience anxiety and worry related to potential hearing loss problems and need guidance, education, and information on infant hearing to ensure the best possible outcome for their infant.