EHDI Pediatric Audiology Link to Services: National Directory Will Launch Later This Year

Abstract

You have accessThe ASHA LeaderFeature1 Jun 2011EHDI Pediatric Audiology Link to Services: National Directory Will Launch Later This Year Anne OylerMA, CCC-A Anne Oyler Google Scholar More articles by this author , MA, CCC-A https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.FTR3.16062011.5 SectionsAbout ToolsAdd to favorites ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/110517/EHDI-Pediatric-Audiology-Link-to-Services--National-Directory-Will-Launch-Later-This-Year.htm Early identification and treatment of hearing loss greatly improves speech, language, and communication outcomes for children who are born with hearing loss. Currently, 97% of babies born in the United States are screened for hearing loss shortly after birth. For infants who fail the hospital hearing screenings, the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) recommends a comprehensive diagnostic hearing test by 3 months of age and the initiation of intervention by 6 months of age if hearing loss is confirmed. Meeting the JCIH goals of early and timely diagnosis and management of hearing loss requires that families be connected to appropriate audiology services. Unfortunately, families often have difficulty finding facilities that have the appropriate equipment and expertise they are seeking. Providing diagnostic and hearing technology services to children younger than age 5 requires very specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment. To help families identify appropriate pediatric audiology facilities, a group of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) experts began working in 2009 to conceptualize a national web-based directory for pediatric audiology facilities. The group comprises representatives from a number of organizations, including ASHA, the American Academy of Audiology, JCIH, National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health and Welfare Agencies (DSHPSHaWA) and the Centers for Disease Control, as well as several parents of children with hearing loss. The group developed a comprehensive survey with the assistance of the ASHA Surveys and Information team. The survey is designed to collect detailed information about pediatric audiology facilities and the types of services they offer. The survey is being piloted; plans include readiness for widespread dissemination by the end of 2011. The ultimate goal is a comprehensive, user-friendly, online tool that will help guide and educate families and professionals as they search for the pediatric audiology services they need. The EHDI Pediatric Audiology Link to Services (PALS) Directory will be populated with facilities that employ licensed audiologists and have the appropriate equipment to carry out the pediatric services they provide. The EHDI PALS Directory will not and cannot guarantee the quality of services provided; however, the survey questions are based on best practice and will allow for a standardization of information across states. Additionally, each state will have the opportunity to note those facilities that have met state approval, if such approval exists. Additional details will be available as the launch date approaches. The EHDI PALS Directory is a significant, collaborative effort with the potential for great success. Author Notes associate director of audiology professional practices, can be reached at [email protected]. Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Additional Resources FiguresSourcesRelatedDetails Volume 16Issue 6June 2011 Get Permissions Add to your Mendeley library History Published in print: Jun 1, 2011 Metrics Downloaded 44 times Topicsasha-topicsleader_do_tagleader-topicsasha-article-typesCopyright & Permissions© 2011 American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationLoading ...