Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (Jan 2023)

Task force Guideline of Brazilian Society of Otology ‒ hearing loss in children – Part I ‒ Evaluation

  • Vagner Antonio Rodrigues Silva,
  • Henrique Furlan Pauna,
  • Joel Lavinsky,
  • Miguel Angelo Hyppolito,
  • Melissa Ferreira Vianna,
  • Mariana Leal,
  • Eduardo Tanaka Massuda,
  • Rogério Hamerschmidt,
  • Fayez Bahmad Jr,
  • Renato Valério Cal,
  • André Luiz Lopes Sampaio,
  • Felippe Felix,
  • Carlos Takahiro Chone,
  • Arthur Menino Castilho

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 89, no. 1
pp. 159 – 189

Abstract

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Objectives: To provide an overview of the main evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hearing loss in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on childhood hearing loss were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians’ guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association’s guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The evaluation and diagnosis of hearing loss: universal newborn hearing screening, laboratory testing, congenital infections (especially cytomegalovirus), genetic testing and main syndromes, radiologic imaging studies, vestibular assessment of children with hearing loss, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and noise-induced hearing loss. Conclusions: Every child with suspected hearing loss has the right to diagnosis and appropriate treatment if necessary. This task force considers 5 essential rights: (1) Otolaryngologist consultation; (2) Speech assessment and therapy; (3) Diagnostic tests; (4) Treatment; (5) Ophthalmologist consultation.

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