Comparison of four hearing screening protocols

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Audiology
• Public health

Background:

• Early identification of hearing loss in newborns is crucial for timely intervention.
• Previous work established a model for calculating the performance and cost of early identification protocols.
• This paper focuses on comparing specific screening strategies within that model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cost and performance of four distinct early hearing loss identification protocols.
• To evaluate these protocols specifically within intensive care and well-baby nursery settings.
• To apply a previously developed model to assess different screening strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a previously developed model for calculating protocol performance and cost.
• Constructed four screening protocols by varying hearing screening strategies.
• Incorporated high-risk registers and auditory brainstem response screening.
• Derived base model parameters from existing clinical literature.

Main Results:

• Calculated the cost and performance metrics for each of the four protocols.
• Evaluated the protocols' effectiveness and economic viability in different nursery environments.
• Identified variations in performance and cost based on screening strategy.

Conclusions:

• The choice of hearing screening strategy significantly impacts the cost and performance of early identification protocols.
• Different protocols may be more suitable for intensive care versus well-baby nurseries.
• The model provides a framework for optimizing neonatal hearing screening programs.