Pediatric Audiology at AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo

AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo offers an abundance of sessions, events, and resources focused on pediatric audiology. Join us in Atlanta to hear from leaders and discuss the latest advancements in the field. Read on for a few can’t-miss pediatric audiology sessions at AAA 2024.

Addressing Disparities in Hearing Health Care Through Mobile and Tele-Audiology

Wednesday, April 17, 12:45–1:45 pm

Presented by Sarah Jones, AuD, and Monica Glapion, MS

Earn 0.1 CEUs

Hearing health care disparities are widespread in the United States, particularly in rural areas. Pediatric patients face significant challenges, as delayed diagnosis leads to delayed intervention, impacting academic performance later. Mobile and tele-audiology offer creative solutions to address these disparities. This presentation will discuss how Georgia has tackled hearing health gaps in pediatric care and how similar approaches can be implemented nationwide.

Do Our Societal and Educational Systems Value Listening for Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Thursday, April 18, 8:00–9:00 am

Presented by Donna Sorkin and Casey Stach, AuD

Earn 0.1 CEUs

Universal newborn hearing screening has expanded access to hearing technology. However, early intervention and educational systems often fail to emphasize the crucial role of parents as effective teachers. Misinformation from pediatricians further complicates messaging to parents. This presentation will explore how societal perspectives and the medical and professional communities influence family decisions regarding hearing assistance.

Strategies for Improving Loss to Follow-Up for Newborn Hearing Screening

Friday, April 19, 7:45–8:45 am

Presented by Sarah McAlexander, AuD, and Jennifer Wickesberg, AuD, LSLS Cert. AVT

Earn 0.1 CEUs

Loss to follow-up has been a critical concern since the universal newborn hearing screening was introduced. The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing guidelines recommends the 1-3-6 model, ensuring patients are screened for hearing loss by one month, receive a hearing loss diagnosis by three months, and receive intervention for the hearing loss by six months. However, many families do not return for follow-up testing following a failed newborn hearing screening. This session will provide strategies for reducing loss to follow-up for pediatric audiologists seeing patients for diagnostic ABRs or newborn hearing screenings.

Marion Downs Lecture: The Journey to Universal Screening for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection… the EHDI Experience, and It’s “Déjà Vu All Over Again”

Friday, April 19, 9:45–11:15 am

Presented by Mark Schleiss, MD, and Angela Shoup, PhD

Earn 0.15 CEUs

Sponsored by the William Demant Foundation.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a major cause of developmental disabilities, including congenital sensorineural hearing loss. It often goes undetected by newborn hearing screens, despite accounting for up to 25 percent of childhood hearing loss. While some states now mandate cCMV screening, its universal adoption remains debated. Early detection through screening can help manage delayed-onset hearing loss and provide vital family support. In this session, we will explore cCMV’s pathogenesis, prevention, screening methods, benefits of early diagnosis, and long-term management strategies.

Audiology Barriers to Cochlear Implantation for Children with Hearing Loss

Friday, April 19, 4:15–5:15 pm

Presented by Jace Wolfe, PhD, and Teresa Zwolan, PhD

Earn 0.1 CEUs

Only about 50 percent of children who could potentially benefit from a cochlear implant receive a cochlear implant. The Cochlear Implant–Patient Access Collaborative has identified barriers that impede children’s access to cochlear implants. This presentation will provide a summary of these audiology barriers and will describe solutions for these barriers.

Grand Rounds: Pediatrics

Saturday, April 20, 8:00–9:30 am

Presented by Kaitlyn Kennedy, AuD; Melissa Tribble, AuD; Amanda Marchegiani, AuD; Lindsay Bondurant, PhD; and Lauren Stott, AuD

Earn 0.15 CEUs

Pediatric patients offer a variety of challenging and unique situations. They are constantly changing developmentally, requiring audiologists to constantly adapt. During this pediatric grand rounds presentation, we will share four unique pediatric cases involving various causes of hearing loss, diagnostic strategies, treatment options, and the flexibility required along the way.

Visit the online conference planner to learn more about all the opportunities in pediatric audiology at AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo. Don’t miss out on these amazing sessions!