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.
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)