EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening: Systematic Review to Update the 2001 US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation
Nelson, H. D., Bougatsos, C., et al.
(2008).
Pediatrics, 122(1), e266-276.
Indicators of Review Quality:
|
The review addresses a clearly focused question
| Yes |
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Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided
| Yes |
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Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication
| No |
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Included studies are assessed for study quality
| Yes |
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Quality assessments are reproducible
| Yes* |
Description: This is an updated systematic review of controlled trials and observational studies addressing outcomes of infants screened for hearing loss by 6 months of age.
Question(s) Addressed:
Among infants identified by universal screening who would not be identified by targeted screening, does initiating treatment before 6 months of age improve language and communication outcomes?
Compared with targeted screening, does universal screening increase the chance that treatment will be initiated by 6 months of age for infants at average risk or for those at high risk?
What are the adverse effects of screening and early treatment?
Population: Infants
Intervention/Assessment: Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS)
Number of Studies Included: 20
Years Included: Through November 2007
Findings:
Conclusions:
- "Children with hearing loss who had UNHS have better language outcomes at school age than those not screened" (p. 266).
- "Infants identified with PCHL through UNHS have significantly earlier referral, diagnosis, and treatment than those identified in other ways" (p. 274).
Keywords: Hearing Loss, Deafness, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
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Note:
*For more information about quality assessment, see the current methods of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Added to Compendium: March 2012