Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening

What is RIHAP?

In 1993, Rhode Island became the first state in the nation to require universal newborn hearing screening. RIHAP is the program which carries out that requirement on a daily basis, under the direction of the Rhode Island Department of Health. The program manages the screening of all infants born in any of the state’s eight maternity hospitals. Since its beginning, RIHAP has been based at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence. This women’s specialty hospital was the site of one of the first research projects on infant hearing screening in the United States.

How is Hearing Screening Performed?

Before being discharged from the hospital, babies in the hospital nursery undergo a screening for each ear. Typically a baby can be screened in less than 10 minutes. In the most common method used, a tiny probe is inserted into the baby’s ear canal and transmits a series of clicking sounds. Using a computer, the baby’s response to the clicks is then measured. (See the Newborn Hearing Screening for details on screening technology).

Once the Screening Is Done - What Next?

All screening results are reviewed and interpreted by the program’s audiologist. The vast majority of babies pass the screening. For those who do not, RIHAP contacts the families to schedule a repeat screen when the baby is two to four weeks old. Lastly, some babies are referred for evaluation at community-based sites and their local Early Intervention provider. The RIHAP audiologist plays an active role in helping the family obtain follow-up services. In addition, a computer system helps to remind families of their follow-up needs, tracking patient access to services and outcomes, and finding ways to improve services.

Productive Partnerships For Follow-Up Services

Two committees play an important role in this system of screening and follow-up services:

• The Rhode Island Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee was established as part of the Rhode Island legal mandate to provide regulatory oversight of RIHAP; it serves to advise the Rhode Island Department of Health. Members represent audiology, pediatrics, insurance, special education, hospital neonatal nurseries, the deaf community, and the Rhode Island Department of Health.
• The Rhode Island Infant Hearing Screening Follow-Up Committee functions as a working committee that addresses the practical issues facing parents and professionals. A 25-person committee, it represents a wide range of professionals, families, agencies, and advocacy groups. Its mission is to identify and address gaps in services and barriers to service for families and professionals.

The Department of Health’s Family Outreach Program provides community- based outreach and home visiting to help the Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program in locating or contacting a family in need of hearing services. KIDS NET, a computerized system that tracks children’s health services, helps to keep pediatricians informed by providing hearing screening results electronically for babies born on or after January 1, 1997.

For further information, contact:

Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program
Women & Infants Hospital
101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905
Phone: (401) 274-1122 ext.1844 
Fax: (401) 276-7813 
Email: RIHAP@WIHRI.ORG