[International consensus (ICON) on audiological assessment of hearing loss in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Audiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Hearing loss is a common congenital condition in newborns and infants, affecting 1-3.47 per 1000 live births.
• Neonatal hearing screening and audiological evaluations are increasingly implemented globally.
• Current clinical practices lack consensus on the optimal use of audiometry and electrophysiological tests for diagnosing hearing loss in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based recommendations for "best practice" in the audiological evaluation of infants with hearing loss.
• To review the literature on the efficacy of different hearing assessment methods for children.
• To establish consensus among experts on the diagnostic approaches for pediatric hearing loss.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted on hearing assessment techniques for children.
• Consensus opinion was gathered from session speakers regarding best practices.
• The efficacy of various audiological and electrophysiological tests was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of hearing loss in newborns and infants necessitates effective screening and diagnostic protocols.
• There is a recognized lack of consensus on the definitive use of specific audiological and electrophysiological tests.
• The article synthesizes expert opinion and literature to guide optimal assessment strategies.

Conclusions:

• Establishing standardized "best practice" guidelines is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis of hearing loss in infants.
• Further research and consensus building are needed to refine audiological and electrophysiological testing protocols.
• Professionals require clear recommendations to effectively manage pediatric hearing loss based on current evidence and expert consensus.