Hearing Coordination Centers
The Hearing Coordination Centers (HCC), a concept unique to California's Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NHSP), are a very critical component. The HCCs ensure that the system operates efficiently; the screenings and services are of high quality; and, most importantly, infants failing the hearing screening are not lost to follow-up. In states without coordinated tracking systems, up to 50% of the infants who fail the inpatient screen do not receive the necessary services to determine if a hearing loss is present. It is essential that infants who do not pass the hearing screening receive prompt evaluation and intervention if appropriate. Otherwise, the benefit and purpose of early screening and identification is lost.
The functions of the HCC include:
- Assisting hospitals to develop and implement their screening programs,
- Certifying hospitals to participate as screening sites
- Monitoring programs of the participating hospitals
- Assuring that infants with abnormal hearing screenings receive necessary follow-up including rescreening, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and referral to early intervention service agencies, as appropriate providing information to families and providers so they can more effectively advocate with commercial health plans to access appropriate treatment.
Each HCC is responsible for a specified geographic area. For additional information regarding the NHSP, please contact the HCC in your area. To find your HCC, use the Geographic Service Areas Map.
Northern
- Northern California Hearing Coordination Center (NCHCC)
1183A Quarry LanePleasanton, CA
Phone: (800) 645-3616, Press #3
Fax Number: (800) 866-1074
Southern
NHSP Toll Free Number: (877) 388-5301
