Publications by authors named "Vickie Thomson"

Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS), when accompanied by timely access to intervention services, can improve language outcomes for children born deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) and result in economic benefits to society. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs promote UNHS and using information systems support access to follow-up diagnostic and early intervention services so that infants can be screened no later than 1 month of age, with those who do not pass their screen receiving diagnostic evaluation no later than 3 months of age, and those with diagnosed hearing loss receiving intervention services no later than 6 months of age. In this paper, we first document the rapid roll-out of UNHS/EHDI policies and programs at the national and state/territorial levels in the United States between 1997 and 2005.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of audiology involvement and other factors associated with failure to follow through from the initial hearing screening to the second outpatient screen.

Method: Linear regression, logistical regression, and descriptive analyses were used across demographic and hospital variables associated with infants who did not receive a follow-up outpatient screen.

Results: The results included birthing hospital outpatient rescreen rates from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005.

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Objective: Completion of newborn hearing screening (NBHS) is recommended by 1 month old. Delays and loss to follow-up and documentation (LTF/LTD) after failed NBHS are common. Committees of experts have established hospital guidelines to reduce LTF/LTD.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to define the information currently collected by state and territory Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) coordinators and to determine whether best practice guidelines are used.

Method: A multiple-choice electronic survey querying areas of diagnostic assessment, amplification, early intervention (EI) and medical information regarding hearing loss was sent to all state and territory EHDI coordinators.

Results: Seventy percent of surveys were completed.

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Background: Children's language and developmental delays can result from a late diagnosis of hearing loss. To improve population-based prevention efforts to reduce such delays, Colorado's early hearing detection and intervention program examined the determinants of receiving timely newborn hearing screening to better support early identification and treatment of hearing loss.

Methods: In 2006-2007, data were examined from the state's electronic birth certificate regarding hospital, infant, and maternal characteristics.

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Though the health and economic issues in developing countries may create situations in which the development of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs could seem insurmountable, developing countries have some resources that are not easily available to those in the developed world. Developing countries often have well-organized communities in which members work together for the benefit of the individuals within their communities as well as a willingness to learn strategies that can improve the lives of individuals in their communities. Paradoxically, there also exists societal intolerance for disabilities that can result in stigmatization and ultimate isolation of affected families.

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Objective: Although previous studies have documented the feasibility and benefits of universal newborn hearing screening in selected hospitals, none have reviewed the effectiveness of regionally mandated participation of large numbers of hospitals with variable levels of motivation to succeed. The purpose of this study was to measure hospital participation and overall screening success in a statewide program for universal newborn hearing screening and to track improvements in program establishment and outpatient follow-up over time.

Methods: Four Colorado hospitals began voluntarily performing hearing screening before hospital discharge on all newborns in 1992.

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This study reports the results of a comprehensive survey of 16 states regarding the coordination and characteristics of universal newborn hearing screening, audiologic assessment, and intervention programs. The survey establishes a baseline assessment that was conducted by states as part of their first year of participation in a Maternal and Child Health Bureau grant on state systems for universal newborn hearing screening, assessment, and intervention. States are making progress toward achieving universal newborn hearing screening.

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