Loss to follow-up is a significant barrier to successful implementation of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) 1-3-6 benchmarks. This study evaluated adherence to EHDI 1-3-6 benchmarks and explored predictors of delayed or incomplete follow-up.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Clinicians working in EHDI programs should consider screening patients for social risk factors (e.g., insurance status, transportation, zip code) and implementing targeted follow-up protocols for at-risk families, as social determinants appear to drive loss to follow-up.
Identifying which social factors derail EHDI benchmark adherence gives programs a roadmap to reduce health-equity gaps in early childhood hearing intervention.
- 01Retrospective study at U of Rochester Medical Center examining EHDI 1-3-6 benchmark adherence.
- 02Social determinants of health (e.g., socioeconomic status, geography) were the focus as predictors of loss to follow-up.
- 03EHDI benchmarks: screen by 1 month, diagnose by 3 months, enroll in early intervention by 6 months.
- 04Published in International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (2026).
- 05Findings could inform targeted outreach strategies for under-resourced families.
Social determinants of health negatively affect adherence to EHDI 1-3-6 benchmarks.
studypartially supportedLoss to follow-up in newborn hearing screening programs is associated with social determinants of health.
studysupported- PMID
- 42475867
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ijporl.2026.112948.
- Journal
- International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Newborns and their families seen at University of Rochester Medical Center newborn hearing screening program
- Intervention
- Assessment of social determinants of health as predictors of EHDI benchmark adherence
Primary outcomes
Loss to follow-up rate; Adherence to EHDI 1-3-6 benchmarks (screen by 1 month, diagnose by 3 months, enroll in intervention by 6 months)