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IHP Services

• What services does the program offer?
• Who can receive these services?
• How can I receive these services?

What services does the program offer?

• Newborn hearing screening
  Parents living in the Toronto area are offered free hearing screening for their newborn before they leave the hospital.
  
  A number of Infant Hearing Clinics (PDF) are available for those children who were not screened and for those who need a follow-up appointment. To book an appointment, please call Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services at 416-338-8255 (voice) / 416-338-0025 (TTY).
• Audiology services
  Children identified as deaf or hard of hearing may also receive audiology services at various Infant Hearing Program Audiology Clinics (PDF) across the City of Toronto that include:
  • Hearing tests
    Hearing tests are done if your child receives a refer result on the newborn hearing screening. An Infant Hearing Program audiologist will assess your child’s hearing.
  • Family support
    Family Support Workers provide families with counselling, support and general information about community agencies. They provide information about the different communication options available for a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Hearing aid fitting and management
    An Infant Hearing Program audiologist will select and fit the hearing technology that will best meet your child's needs.
• Oral and/or visual communication support
  The Infant Hearing Program may also provide family-centred services that include:
  • an assessment of your child’s communication development
  • professional guidance to help develop your child’s language skills
  • parent education

Who can receive these services?
To receive services from IHP the family must live in Toronto and fall under one of the following categories:

• 0-4 months of age
  Eligible to receive universal newborn hearing screening
  
• 4-24 months of age
  Eligible if your child’s hearing was not screened before and there is a concern that your child may have a hearing loss
• 24 months – school entry
  Eligible if a permanent hearing loss has been identified

How can I receive these services?
If you are concerned about your child’s hearing or if your baby’s hearing was not screened at birth, please contact us.

More information about Ontario's Infant Hearing Program can be found in the Ministry of Children and Youth Services brochure (PDF). Also available in French (PDF).