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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Infant hearing screening
Charles M Bower1, Patti F Martin
1Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, USA.
Insights
Nearly all US infants now receive hearing screenings, identifying hearing loss early. Advances in diagnostics and genetics improve detection and intervention, enhancing communication skills in affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Infant hearing screening has seen significant advancements.
- Universal screening now reaches approximately 95% of US infants.
- Recent literature highlights key developments in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in infant hearing screening.
- To discuss updated guidelines and diagnostic improvements.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on infant hearing screening.
- Analysis of updated policy statements and diagnostic techniques.
- Examination of advances in genetic and molecular diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Publication of a revised American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement.
- Identification of improved diagnostic methods, including auditory brainstem response for premature infants.
- Updated risk factors for congenital hearing loss and enhanced etiologic diagnosis through genetics.
Conclusions:
- Infant hearing screening successfully identifies hearing loss at a young age.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving communication skills.
- Despite challenges, screening significantly benefits infants with hearing loss.
Purpose Of Review:
Infant hearing screening has progressed markedly over the past year. Although uncommon in the past, now almost 95% of infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss. Recent literature has expanded on several important components of hearing screening.
Recent Findings:
A major revision of the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on infant hearing screening was published. This statement identifies a number of important principles and guidelines for infant hearing screening. Improvements in diagnostic techniques have been described including the need for auditory brainstem response screening in premature infants. Risk factors for congenital-hearing loss have been updated. An etiologic diagnosis for infants with hearing loss is increasingly possible with advances in genetics and molecular diagnosis. Finally, several articles provide further information on optimizing follow-up and diagnostic testing as well as early intervention.
Summary:
Despite the challenges still present in infant hearing screening, screening continues to identify infants at a very young age, and improve the early communication skills of infants with hearing loss through early diagnosis and early intervention.
