Impact of COVID-19 on newborn hearing screening (NBHS) and early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) services: A statewide analysis of differences and policy implications.

Introduction: This study investigates the pandemic's impact on newborn hearing screening (NBHS) and access to hearing services for children in Utah. Specifically, it explores the differences in NBHS rates, diagnostic hearing testing, early intervention enrollment, and congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening before and during the pandemic.

Methods: Utilizing a comprehensive statewide Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) database, we analyzed data from January 2017 to December 2021, excluding a 6-month period preceding March 16, 2020, to eliminate potential confounders related to pandemic onset.

Outcomes From a Hearing-Targeted Cytomegalovirus Screening Program.

Background And Objectives: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection and nongenetic cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss in the United States. Utah was the first state to pass legislation mandating CMV screening for newborns who fail newborn hearing screening (NBHS). The study objective was to present outcomes of hearing-targeted CMV screening and determine factors predicting CMV screening.

Cost-benefit analysis of targeted hearing directed early testing for congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

Objectives: In this study, we estimate an ex ante cost-benefit analysis of a Utah law directed at improving early cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection.

Study Design: We use a differential cost of treatment analysis for publicly insured CMV-infected infants detected by a statewide hearing-directed CMV screening program.

Methods: Utah government administrative data and multi-hospital accounting data are used to estimate and compare costs and benefits for the Utah infant population.