Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022

Dec 20, 2022
Dec 20, 2022

Summary

Continues funding for state programs that find and treat hearing problems in newborns, infants, and young children to support their development.

What problem does this solve?

Hearing loss in young children can go unnoticed, causing delays in their learning and speech. This law provides money to states for hearing tests and early support services for newborns and infants.

What does this law do?

Extends funding for hearing programs
Approves $17,818,000 per year from 2023 to 2027 for state programs that screen newborns and infants for hearing loss and provide early support services.
Provides additional funding for support services
Approves $10,760,000 per year from 2023 to 2027 for technical help, data management, and other support for the state hearing programs.
Orders a study on state programs
Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how well state hearing screening programs are working and if all children have equal access to them.
Requires a public report
Mandates that the GAO must complete its study and make a public report with its findings within two years of the law's passage.

Who does this affect?

  • Newborns, infants, and young children
  • Families of children with hearing loss
  • State health departments

What is the real world impact?

Supports early childhood development
Ensures that children born deaf or hard-of-hearing are identified quickly. This allows them to get help early, which is important for developing language and communication skills.
Requires review of state programs
Orders a study to see how well state programs are working, especially for minority and underserved groups. This helps find and fix any gaps or unfairness in care.

When does this start?

This law became effective on December 20, 2022, and sets out funding schedules and deadlines for the coming years.
Program Funding
Authorizes funding for state EHDI programs for each fiscal year from 2023 through 2027.
GAO Report Deadline
The Comptroller General must finish the study on state programs and submit a report within two years of the law's enactment date.