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Overcoming challenges in newborn hearing screening
1Pediatrix Newborn Hearing Screening Program, 1301 Concord Terrace, Sunrise, FL 33323, USA.
Insights
Effective newborn hearing screening programs require robust tracking and follow-up protocols. Strong program management ensures successful identification and intervention for infants with hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening is crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
- Effective tracking and follow-up are essential for program success.
- Identifying factors influencing follow-up success is vital for optimizing newborn hearing screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze retrospective data from a large newborn hearing screening program.
- To identify key factors contributing to the success of tracking and follow-up for positive hearing screens.
- To propose a model protocol for successful newborn hearing screening program implementation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hearing screening data from 66,292 newborns across 46 sites.
- Utilized automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) technology.
- Data managed and tracked by Pediatrix Medical Group under national program direction.
Main Results:
- 114 newborns were confirmed with hearing loss; 60% had no known risk factors.
- Overall refer rate was 1.01%, with two regions achieving 98% capture rates.
- 50% of confirmed hearing losses were bilateral; key factors positively impacted follow-up success.
Conclusions:
- Successful newborn hearing screening programs depend on effective program management and implementation.
- The presented protocol can serve as a model for programs facing follow-up challenges.
- Emphasis on tracking and follow-up is critical for ensuring overall program success and timely intervention.
Abstract:
Retrospective hearing screening data were analyzed on 66,292 newborns to assess factors which contribute to overall program success, especially those related to tracking and follow-up of positive initial hearing screens. Newborn hearing screens were performed in 46 sites within five regions utilizing automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) technology. Pediatrix Medical Group managed all 46 sites and tracked all positive screens under the direction of the national program director. One hundred and fourteen newborns were confirmed with hearing loss, with 60% exhibiting no known risk factors. The five regions collectively yielded a final refer rate of 1.01% over a 1-year period, whereas two of the five regions boasted capture rates of 98%. Fifty percent of the confirmed hearing losses was bilateral in nature. Several key factors were noted to have a positive impact on the overall success of the program as related to follow-up. This paper demonstrates that tracking and follow-up can be successful if program management and implementation are considered when establishing a newborn hearing screening program. The protocol presented can be viewed as a model for existing programs by those who are interested in overcoming challenges related to follow-up and can ensure program success.