The presentation will examine the current state of early hearing detection and intervention programs in Canada. EHDI programs have been in place in various forms in Canada for some time. Programs have historically ranged from local or regional screening or assessment based on high risk factors to province or territory wide programs supported by government funding and standard protocol. A recent cursory examination of newborn screening programs in Canada, conducted by the Canadian Academy of Audiology and Speech and Audiology Canada, indicated that a wide variety of programming currently exists in the country. Coverage and methods vary significantly across provinces and territories. The Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force, a group of professionals involved in EHDI programming from all across Canada, assisted by Dr. Susan Scollie and Dr. Marlene Bagatto of Western University, and Dr. Steve Aiken of Dalhousie University, developed an in-depth survey designed to closely evaluate Canadian EDHI programs. The survey examined program concepts including screening protocol, assessment technique, provision of amplification, and delivery of communication development services. The knowledge gained from this exercise is delivered in this presentation. Discussion will center around gaps in current programming and means of providing resources to developing programs in Canada.

Learning Objectives:
1. Delegates will gain an understanding of the current status of EHDI programming in Canada.
2. Delegates will also learn about potential gaps, pitfalls, and issues that occur in planning and delivering large scale EHDI programs.