2024 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 17-19, 2024 • Denver, CO
3/18/2024 | 10:05 AM - 10:30 AM | Understanding & Addressing Barriers to Pediatric Hearing Healthcare: A social work and audiological perspective | Capitol 4
Understanding & Addressing Barriers to Pediatric Hearing Healthcare: A social work and audiological perspective
Despite efforts from many organizations, institutions, and specialized programs, health disparities persist for minority and underserved populations. Children with hearing loss from diverse backgrounds are significantly delayed in diagnosis and treatment for hearing loss (Bush et al., 2017). Early identification and intervention are critical to prevent long-term communication and developmental delays. This is particularly important given research has reported that individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse homes have poorer outcomes. This presentation will review the most common barriers to treatment including, proximity to clinic, access to trained professionals, cultural identity, and social emotional challenges that may interfere with families seeking treatment. Strategies to ameliorate these barriers will be presented from a social work and audiological perspective. A model for preventing and addressing these challenges will be presented based on a team approach utilized by a comprehensive pediatric hearing loss program serving a largely minority, Medicaid, and non-insured population. The overall benefits of a multidisciplinary approach will be reviewed, as well as strategies to establish community partners if a team is not readily available in your area.
Bush ML, Kaufman MR, McNulty BN. Disparities in access to pediatric hearing health care. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Oct;25(5):359-364. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000388. PMID: 28665808; PMCID: PMC5973811.
- Identify 3 barriers to pediatric audiological care.
- Describe 2 strategies to mitigate barriers to receiving timely audiological care.
- Recognize differences in seeking hearing healthcare in minority populations.
Presentation:
3478265_16325IvetteCejas.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Anna Fowler
(Primary Presenter,Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, axf1907@med.miami.edu;
Anna Fowler currently serves as a Mailman Center for Child Development LEND Trainee, where she is actively involved in clinical work, providing audiological care to patients at both the Mailman Center and the UHealth Ear Institute’s Children’s Hearing Program. Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Interpreting Between American Sign Language and English from the University of Connecticut. Her undergraduate journey equipped her with a strong foundation in communication sciences and a deep appreciation for the significance of effective communication. Anna is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Audiology from A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences where she will graduate in June of 2024. With her heart set on pediatric audiology, Anna aspires to make a lasting difference in the lives of young patients and their families.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Amy Torres
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, art142@med.miami.edu;
Amy Torres is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker with a strong commitment to serving others. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Amy currently resides in Miami, holding a Master's degree from Florida International University. With 13 years of experience in the field, Amy has had the privilege of working with diverse cultures and populations, gaining an invaluable wealth of experience, insights, and understanding along the way. As part of the multidisciplinary team at the UHealth Ear Institute’s Children’s Hearing Program, she helps create a nurturing environment for patients, encouraging them to express themselves openly while providing the necessary support and guidance they seek. Pursuing to address the physical and social emotional barriers patients with hearing loss and their families encounter when needing appropriate care as well as increasing awareness in the community. Her unwavering passion has shaped her approach, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and evidence-based care techniques.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Ivette Cejas
(Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, icejas@med.miami.edu;
Dr. Ivette Cejas is an Associate Professor and Director of Family Support Services at the University of Miami Ear Institute. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida. Dr. Cejas is a well-known researcher in pediatric hearing loss, publishing extensively in this area and at numerous conferences. As part of the UM Children’s Hearing program she provides therapeutic services to children and families coping with a hearing loss diagnosis or comorbid disorders. She is an advocate for all children with hearing loss and organizes a comprehensive family program at UHealth to assist families through their journey with hearing loss. She is on the Board of Directors at AG Bell and is a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -