During the current COVID-19 Pandemic, NE-EHDI will continue to follow our current follow-up process of contacting families and medical professionals via e-mail, regular mail, secure e-fax, or phone. We will strive to meet the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) 1-3-6 recommendations to complete the hearing screen by 1 month of age, to complete the audiologic diagnostic evaluation by 3 months of age, and complete enrollment into early intervention by 6 months of age. However, we understand that there may be delays in the follow-up process during this uncertain time, and we will work with families and professionals to accommodate any changes due to limited access to care. Learn more about Newborn Screening and COVID-19.
Some hospitals are wondering how to handle newborn hearing screening for newborns who are being treated as PUI (Patient Under Investigation) while inpatient, and if it is safe to screen the baby with hospital equipment. Due to the constantly changing circumstances of the pandemic, NE-EHDI recommends that each hospital work directly with their Infection Control Team to determine whether it is safe to conduct hearing screenings. We ask that you stress the importance of following up on the hearing screening as soon as it is safely possible, so extra patient education is critical to ensure that parents understand that the newborn hearing screening is still an essential screening for their baby's well-being.
Resources:
How to keep you, your baby, and your provider safe during COVID-19
AAP Guidance on Newborn Hearing Screening during COVID-19
NCHAM information about COVID-19
COVID-19 Scripts for Screeners
COVID-19 Handouts for Parents
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