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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
Early hearing detection and intervention: diagnostic hearing assessment practices.
Karen Muñoz1, Lauri Nelson, Natalie Goldgewicht
1National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Utah State University, Logan, USA. karen.munoz@usu.edu
American Journal of Audiology
|July 19, 2011
Summary
Pediatric audiology facilities show varied hearing test practices for infants. Identifying centers for young infants and appointment wait times presents challenges for diagnostic accuracy and timely care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Infant Hearing Services
Background:
- Early hearing detection and intervention are crucial for infant development.
- Standardized practice patterns in pediatric audiology are essential for consistent care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand current practice patterns for infant diagnostic hearing services.
- To assess the variability in services offered by pediatric audiology facilities.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
- Surveys were mailed to 1,091 pediatric audiology facilities across 28 states and D.C. in 2009.
- Responses were collected anonymously from 356 facilities (33% return rate).
Main Results:
- Significant variability exists in the comprehensiveness of test batteries used.
- Over half of facilities (55%) reported using limited test batteries.
- Appointment wait times varied widely (3 days to 5 months) and were influenced by testing conditions (sleep, sedation, OR).
Conclusions:
- Stakeholders face difficulties identifying facilities serving infants under 6 months.
- Variability in test batteries and wait times impacts diagnostic accuracy and timeliness.
- Standardization of infant hearing diagnostic services is needed.
