Impact of co-occurring birth defects on the timing of newborn hearing screening and diagnosis

Derek A. Chapman, Caroline C. Stampfel, Joann N. Bodurtha, Kelley M. Dodson, Arti Pandya, Kathleen B. Lynch, Russell S. Kirby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Early detection of hearing loss in all newborns and timely intervention are critical to children's cognitive, verbal, behavioral, and social development. The initiation of appropriate early intervention services before 6 months of age can prevent or reduce negative developmental consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess, using large, population-based registries, the effect of co-occurring birth defects (CBDs) on the timing and overall rate of hearing screening and diagnosis. Method: The authors linked statewide data from newborn hearing screenings, a birth defects registry, and birth certificates to assess the timeliness of newborn hearing screening and diagnosis of hearing loss (HL) for infants with and without CBDs in 485 children with confirmed HL. Results: Nearly one third (31.5%) of children with HL had 1 or more CBDs. The presence of CBDs prolonged the time of the initial infant hearing screening, which contributed to further delays in the subsequent diagnosis of HL. Conclusions: Better coordination of HL assessment into treatment plans for children with CBDs may enable earlier diagnosis of HL and provide opportunities for intervention that will affect long-term developmental outcomes for these children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)132-139
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican journal of audiology
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Congenital abnormalities/anomalies
  • Coordination of care
  • Hearing loss
  • Hearing screening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Speech and Hearing

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