Related Experiment Videos
Identification of permanent hearing loss in children: are the targets for outcome measures attainable?
Insights
Early identification of permanent hearing impairment in children is crucial. This study found that current practices missed National Deaf Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Permanent hearing impairment affects children's development.
- Timely identification is essential for intervention.
- National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) set early identification targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the timeliness of permanent hearing impairment diagnosis in children.
- To compare identification ages with NDCS standards.
- To assess current service provision for hearing loss detection.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative nine-centre study.
- Follow-up of children newly diagnosed with permanent hearing impairment (≥ 50 dB HL) aged 0-7 years.
- Comparison of identification ages with NDCS targets.
Main Results:
- 126 children were identified with permanent hearing impairment.
- 104 children had congenital sensorineural hearing loss.
- Only 19% identified by six months, 39% by one year, falling short of NDCS targets (40% and 80%).
Conclusions:
- Current practices are insufficient to meet early identification targets for hearing impairment.
- Modifications are needed, including universal neonatal screening.
- Improved strategies are required for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Abstract:
A collaborative nine-centre study was designed to follow the routes to identification of all children up to the age of seven years newly diagnosed with permanent hearing impairment (> or = 50 dB HL) during the period 1993-1994. Ages of identification were compared with the standards set by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), ascertaining whether these targets could be achieved with current service provision. Of the 126 children identified, 104 had congenital sensorineural hearing loss: 19% were identified by the age of six months and 39% by their first year. These results fall short of the NDCS targets of 40% and 80%, respectively, and point to the need for modifications of current practice, such as the introduction of universal neonatal screening.