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Audiologic screening of newborn infants who are at risk for hearing impairment
Insights
Early identification of infant hearing impairment is crucial. These guidelines recommend Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) screening for at-risk infants, followed by comprehensive evaluation and management.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Early identification of hearing impairment in infants is critical for development.
- The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) set a goal for identification and habilitation by 6 months but lacked specific screening procedures.
- Previous guidelines did not specify a standardized protocol for initial infant hearing screening.
Framework:
- ASHA guidelines recommend a three-component approach for infant hearing screening.
- Component 1: Education for parents/caregivers on hearing impairment risks and screening.
- Component 2: Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) screening for infants at risk.
- Component 3: Referral to a comprehensive system for evaluation, follow-up, and management for infants failing screening.
Implementation:
- Recommended procedures are complex, requiring significant involvement from qualified audiologists.
- Identification programs should only be implemented when all necessary components are available.
- Ensuring availability of comprehensive services for infants and families is essential.
Implications:
- These guidelines aim to facilitate the implementation of effective early identification programs.
- Standardized ABR screening can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for hearing-impaired infants.
- Improved identification and habilitation can enhance long-term outcomes for affected children.
Abstract:
The importance of early identification of hearing impairment is well documented. The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing 1982 Position Statement established the goal of identification and habilitation of hearing-impaired infants by age 6 months but did not specify the procedure for initial audiologic screening. In these guidelines, ASHA specifies the recommended procedure for audiologic screening of infants at risk for hearing impairment that includes a) parent/caregiver education; b) audiologic screening by ABR; and c) referral to a comprehensive evaluation, follow-up, and management system for those infants who fail initial ABR screening. The procedures recommended in these guidelines are complex and require substantial involvement of a qualified audiologist. Identification programs should be instituted only when all components are available to provide appropriate services to the infant and his/her family. It is hoped that these guidelines will encourage implementation of programs for early identification of hearing impairment in at-risk infants.