<< BACK TO AGENDA

ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Risk Monitoring Infants for Late-onset Hearing Loss'
Track: 2-Audiological Assessment and Intervention
Keyword(s): risk monitoring, audiology protocol, data
Learning Objectives: Learner will be able to identify high risk indicators which require monitoring in newborns for late-onset hearing loss. Learner will be able to identify high risk indicators which require more frequent audiological monitoring. Learner will be able to explain options for high risk monitoring protocols.

Abstract:

In 2007, the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) recommended audiological monitoring for newborns identified with risk indicators for late-onset hearing loss. The list of risk indicators included caregiver concerns, family history of permanent childhood hearing loss, NICU stay greater than 5 days, assisted ventilation, ototoxic medications, hyperbilirubinemia requiring transfusions, in-utero infections, craniofacial anomalies, physical findings or syndromes associated with hearing loss or progressive or late-onset hearing loss, neurodegenerative disorders, culture-positive postnatal infections associated with hearing loss, head trauma and Chemotherapy. Some risk indicators are more concerning and require frequent audiological evaluations. JCIH statement did not provide a detailed protocol for monitoring of risk indicators in infants. As a result, there are inconsistencies in risk monitoring protocols from state to state, clinic to clinic, and even audiologist to audiologist. The presentation describes Idaho’s “best practice” protocol for monitoring risk indicators in newborns and young children. The pros and cons of the current risk monitoring protocol will be addressed. The presentation will provide a look into a “revised” risk monitoring protocol currently used at one of the NICU programs in Idaho. In Idaho, approximately 50% of infants identified with hearing loss present with risk indicators. At least half of infants with risk indicators and diagnosed hearing loss had more than one risk indicator identified. Data will be presented on the incidence of risk indicators and diagnosed hearing loss in Idaho. The presentation addresses risk monitoring at the pediatric audiology clinic level. It describes the tracking procedures for risk monitoring in one pediatric audiology clinic in Idaho. The clinic’s risk monitoring program data will be presented from the last three years. Overall, the presentation describes risk indicators for late onset hearing loss, provides audiology protocols for risk monitoring and gives recommendations for tracking risk indicators at a clinic and state level.
Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online.
Handouts: Handout is not Available
SPEAKER INFORMATION
PRESENTER(S):
Jessica Stich-Hennen - Idaho Elks Hearing & Balance Center -Boise
     Credentials: Au.D., PASC Specialty Certification in Pediatric Audiology
     Other Affiliations: Idaho Sound Beginnings - Audiology Consultant
      Dr. Jessica Stich-Hennen received her Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the Idaho State University. In April 2011, she achieved Specialty Certification in Pediatrics from American Board of Audiology. Dr. Stich-Hennen’s clinical specialty areas include pediatrics diagnostics and amplification, auditory evoked potentials and auditory processing disorders. She is the primary audiologist for the Idaho Cleft Palate-Craniofacial team.
 
AUTHOR(S):
Jessica Stich-Hennen - Idaho Elks Hearing & Balance Center -Boise
     Credentials: Au.D., PASC Specialty Certification in Pediatric Audiology
     Other Affiliations: Idaho Sound Beginnings - Audiology Consultant
      BIO: Dr. Jessica Stich-Hennen received her Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the Idaho State University. In April 2011, she achieved Specialty Certification in Pediatrics from American Board of Audiology. Dr. Stich-Hennen’s clinical specialty areas include pediatrics diagnostics and amplification, auditory evoked potentials and auditory processing disorders. She is the primary audiologist for the Idaho Cleft Palate-Craniofacial team.