SO U N D
MAT T E R S
2015 • ISSUE 1
Audiology Newsletter of the Minnesota Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program
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Empowered by EHDI — Max’s Story
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Reflections of a thankful Minnesota parent
My little Max and Alex were born on May 15, 2014
at 28 weeks gestation. They came into this world early
and spent several weeks in the NICU. Alex passed
all the necessary screening tests. Just prior to Max’s
discharge on July 9th, the nurse performed his second
newborn hearing screen. When he did not pass the nurse
explained, “it’s probably just because he’s premature and
has small ear canals…it will be fine.”
I’m happy to say that on September 30, Max received his
first set of hearing aids! He looks so adorable with them!
A few weeks later, we met with an audiologist to have an
ABR. I had no concerns regarding Max’s hearing up to that
time. Like the nurse had said, I assumed he was just a little
behind because of the prematurity, but that his hearing
would be normal eventually. So after the ABR when the
audiologist told me, “Max has severe hearing loss in both
ears,” I was stunned. This was not what I had expected.
Thoughts began to pour through my mind of all the
things Max was going to miss out on…music, movies,
talking on the phone, etc. I took a short time to grieve,
but then immediately dove into the world of hearing
loss by beginning to learn sign language, searching for
resources in our community, learning about hearing aids
and cochlear implants, and anything that could provide
Max with maximum access to language.
did you know?
Although it’s difficult to know what he can and cannot
hear with the hearing aids, I feel that he is much more
attentive and makes more eye contact when he is
wearing them. My husband and I are so thankful that
we live in a time when hearing loss is identified early in
life and intervention can begin right away. I know that
Max has been given the same opportunities as any other
child due to the early diagnosis and intervention.
Feb 26, 2015 - EHDI special event!
On February 26th, 2015, MDH and the Minnesota Academy of Audiology will host a day session focused on EHDI
in advance of the Upper Midwest Audiology Conference. This event, at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, will have
limited seating so register early! Registration is available on the Minnesota Academy of Audiology website.
Have You Heard?
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MNSCREEN
Implementation of MNScreen, Minnesota’s new
electronic reporting system for hearing screening and
pulse oximetry screening is currently underway! Three
hospitals began reporting results using this electronic
method in November 2014. About 40% of Minnesota’s
birth facilities are now working through the various
stages needed to transition to this new system. MDH
hopes to have MNScreen fully implemented at all
Minnesota birth facilities in 2015.
14th Annual EHDI Meeting
Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2015 national
EHDI meeting being held March 8th through the 10th in
Louisville, Kentucky. This event has a strong reputation
for bringing together a wide variety of attendees focused
on enhancing the implementation of state-based
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs.
Registration information and meeting details can be
found on the EHDI meeting website.
Last Words from the
Advisory Committee
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Meeting highlights...
• Shared details of the 2014 Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Public Health & Policy Conference
• Reviewed the Minnesota Department of Education
legislative report on outcomes for Students who are
Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Minnesota
Next meeting: NEW
time and
location!
Contact Us:
Newborn Screening Program
601 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (800) 664-7772 or (651) 201-5466
Fax: (651) 215-6285
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.health.state.mn.us/newbornscreening
EHDI Website: www.improveehdi.org/mn
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February 11, 2015
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Wilder Foundation
451 Lexington Parkway North
St. Paul, MN 55104