<< BACK TO AGENDA

ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'The Medically Complex Infant: Achieving “6” in the NICU' Track: 2-Audiological Assessment and Intervention Audience: Primary Audience: Secondary Audience: Tertiary Audeince: Keyword(s): diagnostic assessment, intervention, NICU, counseling Learning Objectives: 1. Define components of a complete inpatient infant hearing program 2. Define the theory of guarded alliance as it applies to the NICU Family/Audiologist relationship 3. Discuss the use of sensory care plans as an early intervention strategy Abstract: Due to advances in technology, more medically complex infants are surviving and NICU lengths of stay are increasing (Jeremick and Tan 2008). For infants with extended hospitalizations, the 1-3-6 timeline may require not only screening for hearing loss, but also identification and intervention in the NICU setting. Diagnostics and Amplification: The challenges of performing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and fitting of amplification in the NICU will be addressed. Family Centered Support: Characteristics specific to NICU families include acute stress disorder (Shaw 2006), poor family adjustment (Doucet 2004), increased divorce rate and financial strain (McAulay 2006). The theory of guarded alliance (Thorne and Robinson 2007) and its effects on the NICU Family/Audiologist relationship will be discussed. Sign language Program: An inpatient sign language program offers families a way to facilitate early communication no matter what communication mode they ultimately choose. An example of an interdisciplinary sign language program will be discussed. Sensory Care Plan: The physical environment of the NICU is chaotic and can be especially stressful for deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) infants. These infants may not learn to anticipate daily care giving interventions based on sounds associated with them. Therefore, their world may become a confusing, frightening place (Newton 2001). Sensory care plans provide suggestions for modifying care giving approaches and interaction to minimize negative experiences for the deaf and HOH NICU infant. Implications: •Diagnostic hearing evaluations for all hospitalized infants who refer on newborn hearing screenings •Family centered approach to decision making •Timely fitting of amplification for families who choose a hearing instrument •Sensory care plans for all identified infants •Increased staff awareness on the effects of hearing loss in NICU infants •Decreased lost to follow-up •Identified trends in family prioritization of NICU intervention strategies as reported at post-discharge “debriefings” Handouts: Handout is not Available
SPEAKER INFORMATION
PRESENTER(S): Kelly Baroch - Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center      Credentials: Kelly A. Baroch, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A Pediatric Audiologist III Infant Hearing and Screening Program Coordinator       Kelly A. Baroch is a clinical audiologist with the Division of Audiology and the coordinator of the Infant Hearing and Screening Program, which she developed in 2003. She completes Auditory Brainstem Response Evaluations (ABR), Ototacoustic Emissions Evaluations (OAE), high frequency tympanometry, and hearing aid fittings on inpatient newborns and infants. She has given numerous state and national presentations on early identification and intervention of hearing loss in the medically complex population, auditory development in infants, and the effects of the NICU environment on sensory development. She provides clinical support on multiple research projects.   AUTHOR(S): Kelly Baroch - Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center      Credentials: Kelly A. Baroch, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A Pediatric Audiologist III Infant Hearing and Screening Program Coordinator       BIO: Kelly A. Baroch is a clinical audiologist with the Division of Audiology and the coordinator of the Infant Hearing and Screening Program, which she developed in 2003. She completes Auditory Brainstem Response Evaluations (ABR), Ototacoustic Emissions Evaluations (OAE), high frequency tympanometry, and hearing aid fittings on inpatient newborns and infants. She has given numerous state and national presentations on early identification and intervention of hearing loss in the medically complex population, auditory development in infants, and the effects of the NICU environment on sensory development. She provides clinical support on multiple research projects.