Follow-up rates for babies identified for hearing loss from early hearing detection
and intervention programs (EHDIPs) and newborn hearing screening programs (NHSPs)
in the United States do not meet the goals posited by the Centers for Disease Control.
Pediatric otolaryngologists (PED-ENTs) play a vital role in EHDIPs and can positively
influence parents' compliance with professionals' recommendations for their babies.
This national study used a 19-item questionnaire and postal survey to assess PED-ENTs'
knowledge about, experience with, and attitudes toward NHSPs. Of 565 surveys mailed
(36 were undeliverable), 233 were returned for a 44% response rate. Most of these
PED-ENTs had adequate knowledge about, participated in, and expressed positive attitudes
toward NHSPs; however, some could benefit from additional information about national
EHDI benchmarks and poor follow-up rates. Audiologists should ally with PED-ENTs locally
and nationally to strengthen EHDIPs and prevent loss of children with hearing impairment
to follow-up.
Key Words
Early hearing detection and intervention programs - national survey - newborn hearing
screening programs - pediatric otolaryngologist questionnaire
