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For Audiologists

Audiologists are essential partners for screening, rescreening, diagnostic testing and treatment of hearing differences. Their timely services and reporting of results help care coordination and access to supports. Even if you do not identify as a pediatric audiologist, contributing skilled services to children 0-3 years is appreciated! 

Have a question? Ask our audiologist Shelby Atwill, AuD, at shelby.n.atwill@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 

​New EHDI-IS User Request Form (Electronic Form) (January 2026) 

  • Audiologists are required to share results of certain hearing appointments with the Oregon EHDI Program using our EHDI Information System (EHDI-IS). Complete this form to request access. Review the reporting protocol to learn which information you are required to share.  
  • Audiologists and performing initial screening should enter results in the Screening tab in EHDI-IS. Re-screenings should be entered in the Diagnostics tab in EHDI-IS. 
  • Reporting guidance for Oregon audiologists providing services for children up to 36 months of age. 

Diagnostic Reporting Form​ (March 2026) 

  • Use this form for babies that cannot be accessed in EHDI-IS. Please note, Oregon EHDI only requires reporting of audiology results for: 
    • Oregon births who do not pass or did not have a newborn hearing screening, OR 
    • Oregon births who passed their newborn hearing screening and are identified as Deaf/Hard of Hearing, OR 
    • Out-of-state births who are now Oregon residents AND are Deaf/Hard of Hearing 
      • Results for babies in other states should be shared with the birth and/or resident state’s EHDI program. Find contact information for all EHDI programs here. 

​EHDI-PALS 

  • EHDI-PALS is a national directory of hearing service providers. Update or create your facility profile here. Visit this link to find an audiologist using a child's age, service needed and zip code.  

Medical and Social Models of Disability:  
Families often begin their experience learning about their child’s hearing through a medical model. This can be helpful in understanding their hearing levels and functional differences but is incomplete without the social model of disability. Here is a summary of these two models that may be helpful in supporting families of children living with a disability.
 
Early Intervention (EI):  
  • Most deaf and hard of hearing children qualify for free Early Intervention (EI) services in Oregon.  
  • Audiologists should make initial referrals for EI within the EHDI-IS. Subsequent referrals may be sent by preferred method of the county EI program.  
  • More information about Oregon Early Intervention services can be found here.  
  • Children who are deaf and hard of hearing are also eligible for free Regional Inclusive Services, which may include access to audiologists, teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing and other specialists. 
Many families find additional services during the early years of a child’s life to be beneficial: 
  • Program for parents, families, and caregivers raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. GBYS provides unbiased information and emotional support from trained parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  
  • Referral may be sent through EHDI-IS. 
  • Public health program for parents, families, and caregivers to help families set goals for making healthy lifestyle choices and fostering personal growth. 
  • Referral may be sent through EHDI-IS for participating counties.  
  • Supports families of children with special health needs navigating complex health care systems. Staffed by parents of children and youth with a variety of health conditions. Provide free one-to-one support, training, and printed materials to families and professionals who serve them. 
  • Peer-delivered services are free for families and include 1:1 support, trainings, resources, parent leadership development, and advocacy.  
  • FACT Oregon is Oregon’s statewide Parent Training and Information Center for Special Education. FACT Oregon empowers families, youth, and communities to navigate disability systems, advocating together for disability justice and policy change so that people with disabilities have what they need to thrive at home, in school, and in their communities. 
  • A local Deaf-led organization that offers free services and support to Oregonians who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

  • Commercial insurance plans based in Oregon that are not self-funded should follow the law above, and include coverage of hearing testing, hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, and related supplies/services. Please contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation if you have questions or concerns:  
    DFR.InsuranceHelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or 888-877-4894. 
  • Oregon Health Plan (Oregon Medicaid) covers hearing testing, hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, and related supplies/services when billed by audiologists enrolled with Oregon Health Plan. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the patient’s Oregon Health Plan Coordinated Care Organization, or OHP Provider Services at 800-336-6016.