About the Infant Hearing Program
The Infant Hearing Program (IHP) is a comprehensive provincial program designed to identify newborns with permanent hearing loss (PHL) and connect them with appropriate early intervention and support services.
Hearing loss can be present from birth or develop later in childhood. It is important to identify hearing loss as early as possible. When hearing loss is identified and supported early, children are better able to develop language and communication skills.
The IHP provides:
- Hearing screening for newborns in Ontario hospitals or community settings
- Audiology assessments to identify permanent hearing loss
- Surveillance assessment for children who are at risk of developing hearing loss
- Audiologic management and intervention for children with permanent hearing loss
- Family support services
- Language development services
The IHP is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and serves children from birth until age 6.
wave provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the consistent, high‑quality delivery of IHP services across the province.
Spoken and sign language development services are overseen by MCCSS. Please visit the Language Development Services page for more information.