Aetiologic diagnosis of hearing loss in children identified through newborn hearing screening testing
F Forli1, G Giuntini1, L Bruschini1
1Operative Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Audiology and Phoniatrics, University of Pisa, Italy;
Insights
A new diagnostic protocol for permanent hearing impairment (PHI) in children aims to identify causes in at least 70% of cases. This approach supports universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programs and optimizes audiology center resources.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) necessitates effective etiological diagnosis for permanent hearing impairment (PHI).
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a shared diagnostic protocol for etiological diagnosis of pediatric PHI within UNHS programs.
- To achieve etiological diagnosis in at least 70% of children with PHI.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a systematic and coordinated diagnostic protocol.
- Focus on children identified through UNHS programs.
Main Results:
- Identification of four key recommendations for efficient etiological diagnosis.
- Potential for resource optimization in audiology centers.
Conclusions:
- A standardized protocol can significantly improve the etiological diagnosis rate for pediatric PHI.
- This approach offers valuable insights for improving care in third-level audiology centers.
Abstract:
With the implementation of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programmes and early diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems, the need has clearly emerged to implement and carry out a systematic and coordinated protocol for the aetiological diagnosis of permanent hearing impairment (PHI). Within the framework of the Italian Ministry of Health project CCM 2013 "Preventing Communication Disorders: a Regional Program for early Identification, Intervention and Care of Hearing Impaired Children", it has been decided to consider the problems relative to aetiological diagnosis of child PHI within UNHS programmes. The specific objective was to apply a shared diagnostic protocol that can identify the cause in at least 70% of cases of PHI. For this part of the project, four main recommendations were identified that can be useful for an efficient aetiological diagnosis in children affected by PHI and that can offer valid suggestions to optimise resources and produce positive changes for third-level audiologic centres.
