2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Advancing Otoacoustic Emissions Screening for Early Identification of Hearing Loss in NW and SE Minnesota | Orlando
Advancing Otoacoustic Emissions Screening for Early Identification of Hearing Loss in NW and SE Minnesota
Early identification of hearing loss is critical for supporting developmental outcomes in young children. This presentation outlines the journey of two regional EHDI programs in Minnesota—Northwest and Southeast—from initial exploration to full-scale implementation of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening as part of early childhood developmental services.
The session will describe how regional teams collaborated across agencies to build foundational capacity, develop shared goals, and integrate OAE screening within existing service frameworks. We will highlight the strategies used to increase awareness, secure necessary equipment, and train a wide range of providers, including early intervention staff and school-based teams. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of cross-sector partnerships and leadership buy-in during early planning phases.
As implementation progressed, we shifted focus from building knowledge to embedding sustainable protocols and data systems. We will share how tracking mechanisms were developed to monitor screening outcomes, referral patterns, and follow-up data, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement. Challenges related to data integration, family engagement, and system alignment will be candidly addressed.
This presentation aims to offer a practical roadmap for other regions looking to expand hearing screening beyond traditional newborn settings. Attendees will gain tools and considerations for launching OAE screening initiatives, including sample protocols, training approaches, and tips for securing stakeholder support.
By strengthening early detection through targeted system design, NW and SE Minnesota have improved the likelihood that children with hearing loss are identified and supported as early as possible. This work illustrates how coordinated regional leadership and strategic implementation can drive meaningful change in child find efforts.
- Participants will be able to describe the key phases of implementing otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening within early intervention systems.
- Participants will identify practical strategies for training staff and embedding sustainable hearing screening practices across regions.
- Participants will learn how to use data tracking systems to monitor the effectiveness of OAE screening efforts.
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Nicole Eck
(Primary Presenter), Regions 1 and 2, neck@bric.k12.mn.us;
Nicole Eck has served as the Regional Low Incidence Facilitator for Region 1 & 2 in Northwest Minnesota for the past eight years. In this role, she supports school districts across the region in meeting federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Nicole works closely with special education administrators and low incidence staff, helping to ensure the availability of high-quality personnel and programming in the areas of low incidence disabilities.
Through the Region 1 & 2 Low Incidence Project, Nicole coordinates and delivers professional development opportunities, facilitates Communities of Practice (CoPs), manages the Tuition Reimbursement Program, and provides critical resources to foster collaboration and strengthen services.
Nicole also plays an active role in cross-disciplinary collaboration across the region. She was a core member of the team that designed and implemented Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) protocols using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening. This initiative involved close partnership with Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, speech-language pathologists, early childhood leaders, and district administrators to ensure the early identification and support of children with hearing loss.
Her work is instrumental in promoting effective, inclusive practices and building capacity in special education across Northwest Minnesota.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Chrisitan Wernau
(Co-Presenter), Region 10, CWernau@zumbroed.org;
Christian Wernau serves as a Low Incidence Facilitator for Region 10 in Southeast Minnesota, where he has provided technical assistance and professional support to educators and administrators for over 15 years. Licensed in both elementary and special education, Christian also holds administrative licensure as a Director of Special Education and a K–12 Principal.
His work focuses on building capacity within schools and districts to better support students with low incidence disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have vision impairments, physical or health disabilities, or autism. Christian plays an active role in cross-disciplinary collaboration across the region. He was a core member of the team that designed and implemented Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) protocols using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening. This effort involved close partnership with Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, speech-language pathologists, early childhood leaders, and district administrators to ensure early identification and support for children with hearing loss.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.