Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Services in Pediatric Population During COVID Pandemic in Nepal

Biraj Bhattarai,Prabuddha Bhatarai,Sureshwor Lal Karna

doi:10.3126/nmj.v3i2.32325

Abstract

The pandemic has affected the daily working of people worldwide, including Audiology and speech languageservices. The Audiology and speech-language pathology services require proximity to the patients and hence increases the risk for transmission of the virus. These services are required during this time are immense to utilize a critical period of language development. Teleservices are a suitable option to assess and rehabilitate the client at this time. In a country like Nepal, where limited professionals are working in this fi eld, telehealth not only reduces transmission risk but also could be useful for patients who cannot attend clinics regularly due to the unavailability of services near their reach. The Speech and Hearing Association and all professionals working in this field should be ready to accept the changes that will eventually lead to the growth of the fi eld and the reach of the services for the patients in need.

Highlights

The outbreak in Wuhan of China with unknown origin and named as acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic has struck the world affecting overall everyday human life.[1,2]. It has the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, malaise initially and can progress to pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ dysfunction, which can be fatal in the final stage in some severe cases.[3]
CoVID-19 has become the worst experience for humanity, even worse for those with communication disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are deprived of availing the service from Audiologists and Speech-language pathologists, affecting their overall quality of life

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The outbreak in Wuhan of China with unknown origin and named as acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic has struck the world affecting overall everyday human life.[1,2] It has the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, malaise initially and can progress to pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ dysfunction, which can be fatal in the final stage in some severe cases.[3]. Delay in more than 14 days(two weeks) for treatment of SNHL can significantly impact an individual's mode of communication and deteriorate the overall quality of life.[5] Cochlear implant surgeries are canceled due to pandemics.[6] Regular Mapping of Cochlear implants will be unavailable for children recently undergone surgery. Even with those patients using hearing aids, it is difficult to come for reprogramming, retesting, and continuing the centerbased therapy. It is almost impossible for SLPs to provide service in-person to individuals with disabilities during the CoVID-19 outbreak.[7]

Psychological Impact on Families

Critical period of Speech and Language development

Care and Maintenance of Device

CONCLUSIONS