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Follow-up services in newborn hearing screening programs
1Department of Audiology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening using auditory brainstem response (ABR) is effective, but follow-up services need development. A parent questionnaire revealed insights for improving infant hearing loss identification and care.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening programs are crucial for early identification of infant hearing loss.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is the standard measurement tool for high-risk infants.
- Existing programs often lack robust follow-up services, hindering comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of follow-up measures in newborn hearing screening programs.
- To evaluate parental/caregiver engagement in follow-up services.
- To identify areas for improvement in program development and infant hearing loss management.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers of 401 infants who passed an ABR screen.
- The study analyzed responses from 262 (65%) returned questionnaires.
- The focus was on understanding experiences and needs related to hearing screening follow-up.
Main Results:
- A 65% response rate was achieved from parents/caregivers regarding follow-up services.
- The study gathered valuable data on parental perspectives on hearing screening follow-up.
- Results highlight the need for enhanced program development and support.
Conclusions:
- Effective newborn hearing screening requires strong follow-up services beyond initial testing.
- Parental feedback is essential for refining and improving hearing screening programs.
- Further development of follow-up protocols is recommended to ensure optimal outcomes for infants with hearing loss.
Abstract:
Newborn hearing screening programs have gained wide acceptance as a means of identifying infants at risk for hearing loss. For the most part, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) technique has been the measurement tool universally adopted in the evaluation of high-risk infants. Over the years, the ABR has been used successfully with a negligible false-negative rate. Unfortunately, program follow-up services have not received similar attention, and there is a lack in program development. This article describes a series of follow-up measures that include the use of a questionnaire sent to the parents/caregivers of 401 infants who pass either the initial or retest ABR screen. A total of 262 (65%) response questionnaires were returned. The results of the questionnaire and recommendations regarding follow-up services are discussed.
