Hearing Outreach Program

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) Program

As of June 2003, all Vermont birthing hospitals have been offering/providing hearing screenings for newborns admitted to their facility.  In addition to the screening results, hospitals provide the VT UNHS Program with high-risk factor information on each baby in relation to hearing loss later in infancy.

The UNHS program employs a full-time audiologist to coordinate this program.  The audiologist ensures that all babies born in Vermont receive a hearing screening prior to hospital discharge, or as soon as possible as an outpatient.

Recommendations for additional follow-up are provided by the coordinator, as well as tracking babies who need additional testing.  Tracking continues for babies who are diagnosed with hearing impairment until the family is enrolled in a treatment program.

Hearing Outreach Program (HOP)

This program provides hearing screenings for newborns and children up to 4 years of age.

Testing is done by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certified Audiologists, using a simple and painless test that takes only a few minutes to complete.

HOP clinics are sponsored by Vermont hospitals, the Vermont Department of Health, and other community agencies.  There are 13 HOP locations statewide. 

Clinic days, times, and frequency vary by location.  Call 1-800-537-0076 (VTTY) for more information or to schedule an appointment in your area.