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An audit of paediatric referrals to the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (2009-2014)
Jill Mustard1, Megan Chinnery, Alice K Guidera
1Southern Cochlear Implant Programme, Milford Chambers, St George's Hospital, 249 Papanui Rd, Christchurch. jill.mustard@scip.co.nz.
Insights
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening significantly reduced early referral and cochlear implant surgery ages for prelingually deaf children. Ongoing monitoring and improved referral processes are essential for further optimization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Early detection of hearing loss in newborns is crucial for developmental outcomes.
- The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme aims to identify hearing impairments shortly after birth.
- Timely intervention, including cochlear implantation, can significantly improve speech and language development in children with prelingual deafness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme.
- To assess changes in the age of referral and cochlear implantation for prelingually deaf children.
- To identify factors contributing to delays in the referral and implantation process.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.
- Analysis of records from the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme.
- Data spanning from March 2003 to August 2014.
Main Results:
- 123 children with prelingual deafness were included in the study.
- Newborn hearing screening led to a significant decrease in the median age of referral (6.23 months vs. 21.50 months).
- The median age at cochlear implantation also decreased significantly (12.66 months vs. 24.0 months) for screened children.
Conclusions:
- Universal Newborn Hearing Screening has demonstrably reduced the age of referral and cochlear implantation for prelingually deaf children.
- Continuous monitoring and auditing of the screening program are necessary.
- Strategies to minimize referral delays, such as reducing non-attendance and improving parent/provider education, are vital for optimizing implantation timelines.
Aim:
To determine the effect of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme on the age of referral and implantation of prelingually deaf children in the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme.
Method:
A retrospective review of data collected prospectively from March 2003 to August 2014.
Results:
123 children were referred to the programme with prelingual deafness in the time period. There was a significant decrease in the age of referral (median 6.23 months vs. 21.50 months) and age at implantation (12.66 months vs. 24.0 months) in those that underwent newborn hearing screening. Reasons for delay in referral and implantation were identified.
Conclusion:
The introduction of universal newborn hearing screening has significantly reduced the age at referral and implantation of prelingually deaf children. However, the screening programme must continue to undergo monitoring and regular audit. Efforts must also be made to reduce the time to referral, including reducing non-attendance rates, education for parents and service providers, and earlier referral of those with comorbidities so as to reduce the time to implantation.