Improving the Quality of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Services through Physician Outreach

Abstract

Physicians and other health-care providers should play a central role in helping families of children with permanent hearing loss receive timely and appropriate screening, diagnostic, and early intervention services. Because the technology and procedures for ensuring timely and appropriate services for infants and young children with hearing loss have changed so dramatically over the past 15 years, many health-care providers are not well informed about the best ways to provide effective services. Audiologists can help to ensure that physi cians and other health-care providers are better informed about the services needed by infants and young children with hearing loss. This article notes some of the areas where information and support is most needed and suggests resources and strategies for addressing these needs.KEYWORDS: Hearing loss, childhood, physician, continuing education Learning Objectives: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to (1) describe the physician role in supporting follow-up from newborn hearing screening, (2) identify strategies for communicating key information to physicians, and (3) identify resources to support timely follow-up from newborn hearing screening.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention: Diagnostic Hearing Assessment Practices

“…It is important for audiologists to keep in mind that physicians have busy schedules, and typically see few children with permanent hearing loss in the course of their practice. Physicians report that they would like information that is evidence-based, short and concise, that uses terminology familiar across disciplines delivered in a format that is familiar to them (e.g., grand rounds), and to have easy access to educational materials for parents (Muñoz, Shisler, Moeller, & White, 2009).…”