title: Early hearing detection and intervention: diagnostic hearing assessment practices.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To gain an understanding of practice patterns for infant diagnostic hearing services at pediatric audiology facilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors used a cross-sectional survey design. From August to November of 2009, surveys were mailed to 1,091 facilities in 28 states and the District of Columbia. One survey was completed per facility, and responses were anonymous.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The return rate was 33% (356 surveys). The results revealed that the comprehensiveness of the test batteries used varied among facilities. Over half of the respondents, 146 (55%), reported using a limited test battery, 94 facilities reported using a comprehensive test battery but lacked at least 1 component recommended by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, and 25 facilities reported using a test battery that met Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recommendations. The wait time for an appointment varied between facilities (range = 3 days-5 months) and was affected by the test condition (i.e., natural sleep, sedation, or operating room).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that it is difficult for stakeholders to identify pediatric audiology facilities that serve infants less than 6 months of age and that there is variability among facilities in test batteries and wait times for an appointment. Implications exist for diagnostic accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Utah State University, Logan, USA. karen.munoz@usu.edu
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: Lauri
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Goldgewicht
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Odell
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001298:Audiology / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000175:diagnosis*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States