18th ANNUAL EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION MEETING
March 3-5, 2019 • Chicago, IL
Audiology Diagnostic Data Elements for Describing Outcomes at a Population Level
Audiologists in the state of Minnesota are required to report diagnostic hearing evaluation findings when pediatric hearing loss is identified. Current reporting forms allow for reporting of a single, poorest degree of hearing loss for each ear. Audiologists also currently submit a diagnostic report. Aggregate data for degree of hearing loss is based on the poorest threshold in the better hearing ear. For sloping hearing losses, the current way of aggregating data will overestimate the degree of hearing loss for some. This project investigates how often multiple hearing thresholds across frequencies are reported. Preliminary data show most reports contain results from 3 or 4 test frequencies, enough to calculate pure tone averages. The current method of aggregating data based on poorest hearing loss frequency will be compared with other methods based on minimum hearing level (best frequency), pure tone average (better ear and worse ear), and configuration. This information will inform the Minnesota EHDI program of optimal audiological data elements to use when analyzing population level outcomes.
- Compare and contrast data aggregated based on hearing loss characteristics of minimum and maximum degree, configuration, and pure tone average
- Discuss feasibility of asking audiologists to report a 3 or 4 frequency pure tone average in a single appointment
- Discuss optimal and representative hearing loss characteristics to use when analyzing other outcome data (enrollment in early intervention, part C and part B services and other supports)
Poster:
18878_10472MadelineSmith.pdf
Presenter: Madeline Smith
Madeline Smith is a third-year audiology graduate student at the University of Minnesota. She is an intern with the Minnesota Department of Health.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Darcia Dierking, Au.D. holds pediatric audiology specialty certification and has more than 20 years of clinical and research experience working with both children and adults. Dr. Dierking works with the Minnesota Department of Health Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program doing longitudinal follow-up for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Melinda Marsolek is an epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health's Newborn & Child Follow-up Unit. She has been working with Minnesota's EHDI program since 2012.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Sarah Angerman is the Director of Clinical Programs in Audiology at the University of Minnesota.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.