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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Use of Diagnostic Testing and Intervention for Sensorineural Hearing Loss in US Children From 2008 to 2018
Z Jason Qian1, Kay W Chang1, Iram N Ahmad1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
Insights
Early detection of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is crucial. This study found that seeing specialists like pediatric otolaryngologists and geneticists improves diagnosis and treatment, but racial, ethnic, and economic disparities persist.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Genetics
Background:
- Early detection and intervention of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are vital for optimal language and academic outcomes.
- Significant variations exist in the diagnostic workup and management protocols for pediatric SNHL nationally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient and clinician factors associated with practice variations in pediatric SNHL diagnosis and management.
- To analyze national trends in diagnostic modalities and interventions for pediatric SNHL.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing the Optum claims database from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018.
- Inclusion of 53,711 unique children diagnosed with SNHL.
- Multivariable analyses were performed to assess associations between patient/clinician factors and diagnostic/intervention use.
Main Results:
- Only 27.3% of patients received diagnostic workup and 25.1% received intervention.
- Genetic testing use increased annually, while CT scan use decreased.
- Children seen by pediatric otolaryngologists and geneticists showed higher odds of receiving workup and intervention.
- Observed racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in diagnostic workup and intervention utilization.
Conclusions:
- Factors such as specialist care are associated with improved diagnostic and intervention rates for pediatric SNHL.
- Significant disparities in care based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status highlight the need for standardized management.
- Increased education and standardization are crucial for addressing variations and disparities in pediatric SNHL management.
Importance:
Early detection and intervention of pediatric hearing loss is critical for language development and academic achievement. However, variations in the diagnostic workup and management of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) exist.
Objective:
To identify patient and clinician factors that are associated with variation in practice on a national level.
Design, Setting, And Participants:
This cross-sectional study used the Optum claims database to identify 53 711 unique children with SNHL between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.
Main Outcomes And Measures:
National use rates and mean costs for diagnostic modalities (electrocardiogram, cytomegalovirus testing, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and genetic testing) and interventions (speech-language pathology, billed hearing aid services, and cochlear implant surgery) were reported. The associations of age, sex, SNHL laterality, clinician type, race/ethnicity, and household income with diagnostic workup and intervention use were measured in multivariable analyses.
Results:
Of 53 711 patients, 23 735 (44.2%) were girls, 2934 (5.5%) were Asian, 3797 (7.1%) were Black, 5626 (10.5%) were Hispanic, 33 441 (62.3%) were White, and the mean (SD) age was 7.3 (5.3) years. Of all patients, 32 200 (60.0%) were seen by general otolaryngologists, while 7573 (14.10%) were seen by pediatric otolaryngologists. Diagnostic workup was received by 14 647 patients (27.3%), while 13 482 (25.1%) received intervention. Use of genetic testing increased (odds ratio, 1.22 per year; 95% CI, 1.20-1.24), whereas use of computed tomography decreased (odds ratio, 0.93 per year; 95% CI, 0.92-0.94) during the study period. After adjusting for relevant covariables, children who were seen by pediatric otolaryngologists and geneticists had the highest odds of receiving workup and intervention. Additionally, racial/ethnic and economic disparities were observed in the use of most modalities of diagnostic workup and intervention for pediatric SNHL.
Conclusions And Relevance:
This cross-sectional study identified factors associated with disparities in the diagnostic workup and intervention of pediatric SNHL, thus highlighting the need for increased education and standardization in the management of this common sensory disorder.
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