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Semin Hear
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812880
Review Article

Toward Standardization of Pediatric Audiology Outcome Measures in Malaysia: A Conceptual Review of Current Practices, Challenges, and Recommendations

Autoren

  • Sarah Rahmat

    1   Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
    2   Children Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists

  • Nor Haniza Abdul Wahat

    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists
    4   Center for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

  • Nur Azyani Amri

    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists
    5   Audiology Unit, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health, Malaysia

  • Siobhan Brennan

    6   Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

  • Darleena Abdul Aziz

    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists
    7   Audiology and Vestibular Services, Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  • Afzarini Hasnita Ismail

    1   Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
    2   Children Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists

  • Nurul Syarida Mohd Sakeri

    1   Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
    2   Children Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists

  • Wan Najibah Wan Mohamad

    3   Malaysian National Society of Audiologists
    8   Audiology Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Abstract

Standardized outcome measures are essential for evidence-based pediatric audiology practice, yet Malaysia lacks unified national guidelines, risking inconsistent care quality and inequitable service delivery for children with hearing loss. This conceptual review presents a national perspective on pediatric audiology outcome measures, synthesizing findings from expert panel discussions, literature integration, and practice assessment through triangulation. Key insights were gathered through the Seventh Malaysian Audiology Scientific Conference forum, involving structured panels with government, private sector, and international representatives, plus insights from 180 forum participants. Current landscape analysis reveals public sector services follow established protocols with government investment in equipment upgrades, while private sector practices demonstrate significant variability. Critical gaps include sector variability, absence of unified standards, inadequate inter-facility comparison capabilities, and the need for tiered implementation approaches. Implementation challenges include fragmented service delivery, limited access to advanced tools outside specialized centers, workforce and infrastructure gaps, and private sector constraints. International examples, particularly the Welsh Primary Care Audiology Pathway, demonstrate successful integration models enhancing service consistency and equity. Strategic recommendations propose a three-phase framework: foundation (stakeholder coordination), development (culturally-adapted standards), and sustainability (monitoring and evaluation). A national task force comprising key stakeholders is recommended to lead standardization efforts, ensuring consistent, evidence-based care for children with hearing loss across Malaysia's diverse healthcare settings.

Keywords

outcome measures - pediatric audiology - standard - Malaysia

Short Blurb

A unified national guideline for pediatric audiology outcome measures is long overdue in Malaysia. This paper outlines critical gaps, lessons from international models, and a roadmap for building standardized, equitable, and measurable care for children with hearing loss.


AI Use in Manuscript

This manuscript was created with the support of artificial intelligence to improve content generation and editing. The authors take full responsibility for the final content, ensuring its accuracy and integrity.




Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
03. Dezember 2025

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