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Published on: January 23, 2017
Current clinical practices in pediatric audiology among audiologists in India
Twinkle Lijo Kirianthan1, Dhanshree R Gunjawate1, Rohit Ravi1
1Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Insights
Indian audiologists widely practice core pediatric audiology services like newborn hearing screening and counseling. However, there are significant gaps in advanced diagnostic and rehabilitation procedures, indicating a need for improved infrastructure and training.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Adherence to best-practice guidelines in audiology, especially for pediatric care, is crucial but often inconsistent.
- This study addresses the need to understand current pediatric audiology practices within India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and document the current pediatric audiology practices among audiologists in India.
- To identify areas of strength and potential gaps in the delivery of pediatric audiological services.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to audiologists in India using an adapted version of a standardized survey.
- Participants were required to have at least a bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and one year of experience.
- Descriptive statistical analyses were performed on the collected data.
Main Results:
- Core pediatric audiology procedures, including newborn hearing screening, tympanometry, and result explanation counseling, are widely practiced.
- A significant portion of audiologists reported performing these core practices frequently.
- Utilization of advanced procedures like evoked potentials, vestibular assessments, and cochlear implant programming was notably lower.
Conclusions:
- Indian audiologists effectively deliver essential pediatric audiology services.
- Gaps exist in the implementation of specialized diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures.
- Enhancing infrastructure, professional training, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines is recommended to improve pediatric audiological care in India.
Objective:
Evidence-based practice is central to audiology; however, adherence to best-practice guidelines varies, particularly in pediatric settings. This study explored current pediatric audiology practices among audiologists in India.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an adapted version of the American Board of Audiology's Pediatric Audiology Clinical Practice Analysis Survey modified for the Indian context. The survey was distributed electronically via email using contact information available with Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Eligible participants held at least a bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and had a minimum of one year of clinical experience. Participation was voluntary, informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality of responses was ensured. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Scale content validity index was calculated to assess content validity of the questionnaire.
Results:
A total of 130 audiologists participated, representing a predominantly early-career workforce (mean experience = 4.92 ± 5.41 years). Core pediatric audiology procedures were widely practiced. Newborn hearing screening was considered very important by 66.2% of participants, while 35.4% performed it several times daily. Tympanometry was rated very important by 61.5%, with 40% performing it several times daily. Counselling-related practices were strongly emphasized, with 68.5% rating explanation of test results as very important and 48.5% performing it several times daily. In contrast, advanced procedures demonstrated lower utilization. Cortical evoked potentials were not performed by 35.4% of participants, vestibular assessments by 43.1%, cochlear implant programming by 45.4%, and bone conduction device management by 57.7%.
Conclusions:
Indian audiologists consistently provide essential pediatric audiology services; however, gaps persist in specialized diagnostics and rehabilitation. Enhancing infrastructure, professional training, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines is necessary to strengthen pediatric audiological care in India.
