2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/11/2025 | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Considerations for Improving Audiologic Care for Pediatric Deafblind Patients | 309
Considerations for Improving Audiologic Care for Pediatric Deafblind Patients
Over the last decade, a large focus has been placed on improving audiologic strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and with intellectual disabilities. However, little research has been dedicated to advancing diagnostic practices for pediatric patients who are deafblind, many of whom have multiple disabilities. The heterogeneity of the deafblind population, coupled with how the deafblind population has changed over time, poses a significant challenge in developing suitable diagnostic strategies. In order to provide the highest quality diagnostic care, it is imperative that pediatric audiologists working with this population have a concrete understanding of the way in which vision loss and hearing loss uniquely intersect and impact access to the environment. This session will provide attendees with an overview of deafblindness as well as with basic strategies to meet the needs of pediatric deafblind patients during diagnostic testing in the audiology setting.
- Attendees will be able to describe the impact of deafblindness on child development.
- Attendees will be able to identify three resources that support pediatric deafblind patients and their families.
- Attendees will be able to list and three basic audiologic assessment modifications to meet the needs of pediatric deafblind patients.
Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Talia Mango
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter,Author,Co-Author), University of North Carolina, Talia_Mango@med.unc.edu;
Talia Mango, M.Ed., is an educational professional with expertise in supporting individuals with severe and multiple disabilities, including Deafblindness. She holds a master's degree in severe and multiple disabilities with a specialization in Deafblindness from Boston College and has several years of experience with this population in a variety of settings. Currently, Talia is a third-year Doctor of Audiology student, LEND trainee, and AUCD intern. In the field of audiology, Talia is particularly interested in improving diagnostic techniques for children with multiple disabilities and Deafblindness.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Meredith Robison
(Co-Presenter,Author,Co-Author), MED-EL Corporation, meredith.robison@outlook.com;
Meredith D. Robison, AuD, CCC-A, is an audiologist dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages, particularly those with medical and developmental complexities. She is passionate about improving access to and the quality of integrated hearing healthcare services. Currently, Meredith serves as a Surgical Account Manager with MED-EL Corporation, where she leverages her clinical expertise and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary education and collaboration to advance innovative hearing solutions and patient-centered care.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from MED-EL Corporation.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with MED-EL Corporation..
Nature: Receives salary for employment.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.