Abstract:
Hearing impairment is the most frequent of the sensorial defects in humans, and if not treated promptly, can severely impair cognitive and spoken language skills. For this reason, a universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) has been established. The purpose of our study is to examine, by means of a retrospective analysis, the results of the UNHS program in the Umbria region during the spread of COVID-19 (2020-2021), comparing the same data from the years 2011-2012, to understand if the program has improved. Our study has shown how the coverage rate of well born babies\' (WB) screening has significantly increased to currently meet the JCIH benchmark. The percentage of WB referrals significantly decreased in 2020-2021, another indicator of the screening program\'s greater efficiency in Umbria. However, a critical issue has emerged: the percentage of those lost to follow-up is greater than 30%, well above the benchmark. As far as the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly had a significant impact, it is necessary to carefully monitor those who do not access the diagnostic level. To emphasize the importance of a proper screening program, it will be helpful to strengthen the computerized data collection system and create an information network between audiologists, pediatricians and families.
摘要:
听力障碍是人类最常见的感官缺陷,如果不及时治疗,会严重损害认知和口语技能。出于这个原因,已经建立了通用新生儿听力筛查(UNHS)。我们研究的目的是研究,通过回顾性分析,Umbria地区UHS计划在COVID-19(2020-2021)传播期间的结果,比较2011-2012年的相同数据,以了解该计划是否有所改善。我们的研究表明,良好出生婴儿(WB)筛查的覆盖率显着提高,目前达到JCIH基准。2020-2021年,世界银行推荐的百分比显着下降,这是该筛查计划在翁布里亚提高效率的另一个指标。然而,出现了一个关键问题:失去随访的人比例超过30%,远高于基准。至于COVID-19大流行确实产生了重大影响,有必要仔细监测那些不访问诊断级别的人。为了强调适当筛查计划的重要性,这将有助于加强计算机化数据收集系统,并在听力学家之间建立信息网络,儿科医生和家庭。