A national survey of pediatric otolaryngologists and early hearing detection and intervention programs.
Follow-up rates for babies identified for hearing loss from early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDIPs) and newborn hearing screening programs (NHSPs) in the United States do not meet the goals posited by the Centers for Disease Control. Pediatric otolaryngologists (PED-ENTs) play a vital role in EHDIPs and can positively influence parents' compliance with professionals' recommendations for their babies. This national study used a 19-item questionnaire and postal survey to assess PED-ENTs' knowledge about, experience with, and attitudes toward NHSPs. Of 565 surveys mailed (36 were undeliverable), 233 were returned for a 44% response rate. Most of these PED-ENTs had adequate knowledge about, participated in, and expressed positive attitudes toward NHSPs; however, some could benefit from additional information about national EHDI benchmarks and poor follow-up rates. Audiologists should ally with PED-ENTs locally and nationally to strengthen EHDIPs and prevent loss of children with hearing impairment to follow-up.
Danhauer
Jeffrey L
JL
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, 1036 Harder South, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. Danhauer@speech.ucsb.edu Danhauer@speech.ucsb.edu
Johnson
Carole E
CE
Finnegan
Dan
D
Lamb
Marilene
M
Lopez
Ilian Priscilla
IP
Meuel
Caitlin
C
Pecile
Angela
A
Williams
Victoria
V
Gavin
Reid B
RB
Karns
Summer Raye
SR
Latiolais
Lindsey N
LN
D001298:Audiology; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010372:Pediatrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires