Utilization of diagnostic testing for pediatric sensorineural hearing loss

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Genetics

Background:

• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a frequent diagnosis in children.
• Diagnostic workups for SNHL lack standardization among practitioners.
• Understanding the utility of various diagnostic tests is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utilization of diagnostic testing for pediatric SNHL.
• To determine the diagnostic yield of individual tests for SNHL.
• To identify the most effective diagnostic strategies for SNHL in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 827 pediatric patients diagnosed with SNHL.
• Analysis of temporal bone imaging, genetic testing, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing utilization and yield.
• Statistical comparison of test utility based on SNHL characteristics (congenital vs. acquired, unilateral vs. bilateral).

Main Results:

• Temporal bone imaging was performed in 75% of patients, with 40% yielding explanatory results.
• Genetic testing was performed in 33% of patients, identifying abnormalities in 39%.
• Abnormal imaging was more common in congenital and unilateral SNHL; genetic abnormalities were more frequent in bilateral SNHL.

Conclusions:

• Temporal bone imaging and genetic testing demonstrated the highest diagnostic yield for pediatric SNHL.
• These tests were also the most frequently utilized in the diagnostic workup.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing proved valuable for neonates with failed newborn hearing screening.