Knowledge and Practice of Hearing Screening and Hearing Loss Management among Ear, Nose, and Throat Physicians in Jordan

Abstract

Introduction One of the main factors that affect the early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss is inadequate knowledge by the health care workers. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are the main source of information about hearing loss and its management in most developing countries, such as Jordan. Objective The purpose of the present study is to explore the level of knowledge and the practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management for children among ENT physicians in Jordan as an example of health care providers in developing countries of the Middle East. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, adapting a questionnaire of knowledge and the practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management for children. The questionnaire consisted of 2 sections with 20 questions. A total of 40 ENT physicians completed the questionnaire. Results The majority of the respondents acknowledged the importance of hearing screening for children; however, there was limited knowledge regarding hearing loss management and testing. Only 10 of the ENT physicians believed that a referral to an audiologist is warranted, and the majority of the respondents were not aware that a child with a confirmed permanent hearing loss should be referred to a speech pathologist or to a rehabilitation center. Managing unilateral and mild sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was another area about which ENT physicians have limited knowledge. Conclusion There is a strong need for professional intervention programs, providing the latest updates and standardizations in the field of audiology and pediatric rehabilitation for ENT physicians.

Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius

“… 24 Play audiometry requires the child to perform an action such as placing a block in a container when he or she hears a sound. 24 In the study by Zaitoun et al 25 most respondents thought that auditory brainstem response tests were more accurate than behavioral tests for establishing hearing thresholds in children. Yerranguntla et al 14 reported that the most common response was pure tone audiometry followed by tuning fork tests and the auditory brainstem response test, which is an objective measurement of the auditory pathway that estimates hearing thresholds by testing synchronous neural function in individuals who are unable to tolerate traditional behavioral tests.…”

“… 21 Pediatricians are professionals who parents visit for any difficulties with their child's health, whereas ENT specialists are the first and main sources of information about hearing loss. 25 The decision to undergo specific management after hearing assessment is also strongly supported by ENT specialists. 25 Therefore, both pediatricians and ENT specialists need to exhibit positive attitudes toward hearing loss since these physicians need to make appropriate referrals and support to individuals with hearing loss.…”

“… 25 The decision to undergo specific management after hearing assessment is also strongly supported by ENT specialists. 25 Therefore, both pediatricians and ENT specialists need to exhibit positive attitudes toward hearing loss since these physicians need to make appropriate referrals and support to individuals with hearing loss. 25 This was the case in this study.…”

MRI Correlates of Ototoxicity in the Auditory Pathway in Children Treated for Medulloblastoma

“…Despite the low cost and accessibility of audiologic testing, diagnosing hearing loss in younger children and toddlers remains a challenge and may require multiple sessions of conditioned-play or visual-reinforcement audiometry (32). In infants, otoacoustic emissions followed by auditory brainstem response testing may be necessary under anesthesia.…”