What is Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)

This chapter will introduce the listening and spoken language approach (LSL). Originally developed for children who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH), LSL is an evidence-based, family-centered approach that focuses on coaching parents/caregivers to provide the environment and input necessary for children to optimize language learning through listening. The role of the interventionist/educator is to guide, coach, and support caregivers. The therapist/educator models specific evidence-based strategies for the caregiver to use in natural environments, such as the home. LSL is well-suited to distance intervention or telepractice/teleintervention—the delivery of services via videoconferencing technology. LSL has been used successfully with children who are D/HH, including those with multiple special needs. Primarily used in early intervention, it has also been used with school-aged children and adults. LSL can be adapted to children with a variety of learning needs who need to strengthen auditory attention, listening skills, and overall spoken language.