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Programs & Services

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Screening

After the birth of your baby, if your baby is admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a health care provider will offer to have your baby's hearing screened. A referral or appointment is not needed.

With your consent, your baby's hearing screening will happen before your baby leaves the hospital. The results of your baby's hearing screening and any follow up needed will be shared with you.

Hearing screening is the best way to find out if your baby has hearing loss.

Hearing screening is quick, safe, and will not hurt your baby. Your baby's hearing is important for many areas of child and brain development.

For more information, visit our website.

Contact Details

Alberta Children's Hospital

Address
28 Oki Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta
T3B 6A8
Telephone
403-955-7211 (Switchboard)
Accessibility

This facility is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator on site

Getting There

Parking map

Hours of Operation
Note

After the birth of your baby, a health care provider will offer to have your baby's hearing screened.
Access
Service Providers May Include
licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs)
Eligibility

All babies born or registered in Alberta are offered screening for permanent congenital hearing loss. It's best to have your baby's hearing screened before they are 1 month old. Newborn hearing screening and audiological diagnostic results dating from October 1, 2025, are now available on Netcare in the Operative / Procedure / Investigation section.

Service Access

Healthcare providers should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for service referral information.

Babies:

  • born in hospital do not require a referral for newborn hearing screening
  • born out of hospital via midwifery require a referral for newborn hearing screening to support timely access to services. Your midwife or doula will make the referral
  • born with bilateral aural atresia, meningitis or a priority risk factor for delayed-onset hearing loss are referred to Audiology Services for a diagnostic assessment
  • who pass their hearing screening and have a routine risk factor for delayed-onset hearing loss are referred to Audiology Services for follow-up

Fees

Newborn hearing screening is free.


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Partners

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Alberta Health

Service Locations
Also Known As
Acronym
EHDI, NICU