2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| The Effects of Newborn Hearing Screening Protocols on ABR Results
The Effects of Newborn Hearing Screening Protocols on ABR Results
The purpose of this study is to determine whether differing newborn hearing screening protocols from birthing hospitals in Houston, Texas and surrounding areas impact the results of diagnostic testing. It has been noted that some area hospitals or newborn hearing screening programs are more likely to refer patients who are diagnosed with hearing loss than others and it has been theorized that some of the differences in hearing loss diagnosis rates may be related to newborn hearing screening protocols utilized by various programs. The patients’ newborn hearing screening methodologies will be analyzed to determine if the protocols utilized and reported by the different birthing hospitals follow the suggested protocols set by the Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program and Joint Commission on Infant Hearing guidelines. In addition, these methodologies will also be analyzed to determine which factors, including number of screenings performed inpatient or outpatient and type of screening completed, may be related to the infant’s final diagnosis of either hearing loss or normal hearing. The purpose of this study is to determine why patients from certain hospitals are more or less likely to be diagnosed with hearing loss and to improve internal protocols for diagnostic testing following a failed newborn hearing screening. All hospitals and programs evaluated in this poster will be de-identified.
- Participants will be able to describe the potential impacts of newborn hearing screening protocols on referral rate and hearing loss diagnosis.
- Participants will be able to summarize recommended protocols as described by the Joint Commission on Infant Hearing (JCIH) guidelines and Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (TEHDI) program.
- Participants will be able to determine protocols that diagnostic clinics may be able to use to conserve clinic resources and times when suggested newborn hearing screening protocols are not followed.
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Presenters/Authors
Jennifer Wickesberg
(Co-Author), Texas Hearing Institute, jwickesberg@texashearing.org;
Dr. Wickesberg joined Texas Hearing Institute’s Audiology Department in 2006. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Oklahoma State University, her Master of Science in Audiology from the University of North Texas and her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida.
Dr. Wickesberg currently serves as the Director of Audiology at Texas Hearing Institute. She is a Pediatric Audiologist and a Certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. Dr. Wickesberg continues to specialize in both fields with a focus on cochlear implants, as well as listening and spoken language milestones for children identified with hearing loss. Her love of music and literacy has influenced her recent therapy focus to include an emphasis on melody as an integral part of early intervention for infants and children. Utilizing music therapy experiences as a vehicle to engage the entire family, she encourages a fun and motivating way to improve a child’s communication skills, building a strong neural foundation within the brain from infancy.
In addition to her clinical work, she shares her expertise and dedication to spoken language outcomes at the state, national, and international level; recruits and trains fourth-year Au.D. externs; and mentors other aspiring listening and spoken language professionals.
Dr. Wickesberg also lends her expertise in Pediatric Audiology to the LoneStar LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program, teaching one of their 16 core disciplines. Its mission is to prepare future leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities (ASD/ND), increase the rate of accurate diagnosis in Texas, empower families to be an active participant in their child’s treatment plan, and to improve ASD/ND service delivery.
She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), holds her certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist with the AG Bell Academy, and is a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology and the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Sarah McAlexander
(Primary Presenter), Texas Hearing Institute, smcalexander@texashearing.org;
Dr. Sarah N. McAlexander is a pediatric audiologist with Texas Hearing Institute, a non-profit organization serving children with hearing loss in Houston, Texas. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2021 with a specialization in Early Identification and Management of Children with Hearing Loss and her Bachelor of Science in Disability Studies and Child Studies from Vanderbilt University in 2017. She is the current chair for the American Academy of Audiology Foundation and the Student Academy of Audiology Advisory Committee. In addition, she currently serves as the secretary/treasurer for the Texas Academy of Audiology. Her interests include improving access to early hearing detection and intervention for pediatric patients with hearing loss, legislative issues and advocacy in audiology, and professional development for audiology students and new professionals.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Financial relationship with Texas Hearing Institute.
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Belen Ramirez
(Co-Presenter), Texas Hearing Institute, bramirez@texashearing.org;
Belen Ramirez is a Newborn Hearing Screening Advocate at Texas Hearing Institute. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health with a Minor in Biology from the University of Houston. Belen completed her internship with Texas Hearing Institute from January to April 2025, where she discovered a deep passion for early hearing detection and intervention. She is dedicated to supporting families and ensuring that newborns receive the screenings they need for a healthy start in life.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with .
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
Non-Financial relationship with .
Nature: .