ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Ascertain the status of early hearing detection and intervention services in Latin America. METHODS: Between June and November 2007, Gallaudet University, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Diversity Committee, disseminated a survey to 11 Latin American countries. It included questions about newborn hearing screening (NHS) procedures, the availability of intervention services for infants with hearing loss, and challenges in identifying infants with hearing loss. In addition, a literature review was conducted to help identify the status of NHS efforts in Latin America. RESULTS: Six countries (Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay) and one U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) responded to the survey. Responses indicated that efforts to identify infants with hearing loss vary within and across countries in Latin America. In some countries, activities have been implemented at a national level; in others, activities have been implemented at a single hospital or region within a country. Common barriers to implementation of NHS programs include a lack of funding, screening and diagnostic equipment, public awareness, and personnel qualified to work with infants and young children. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of several barriers, NHS programs have been implemented in at least some facilities and regions in Latin America. Additional efforts are needed to expand NHS activities in Latin America.
Subject(s)
Health Care Surveys , Hearing Loss/diagnosis , Hearing Tests , Neonatal Screening , Audiology , Child Health Services/economics , Child Health Services/organization & administration , Child Health Services/supply & distribution , Early Diagnosis , Health Priorities , Hearing Aids/economics , Hearing Aids/supply & distribution , Hearing Loss/congenital , Hearing Loss/epidemiology , Hearing Loss/therapy , Hearing Tests/economics , Hearing Tests/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Latin America , National Health Programs , Neonatal Screening/economics , Neonatal Screening/legislation & jurisprudence , Neonatal Screening/statistics & numerical data , WorkforceABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Ascertain the status of early hearing detection and intervention services in Latin America. METHODS: Between June and November 2007, Gallaudet University, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Diversity Committee, disseminated a survey to 11 Latin American countries. It included questions about newborn hearing screening (NHS) procedures, the availability of intervention services for infants with hearing loss, and challenges in identifying infants with hearing loss. In addition, a literature review was conducted to help identify the status of NHS efforts in Latin America. RESULTS: Six countries (Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay) and one U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) responded to the survey. Responses indicated that efforts to identify infants with hearing loss vary within and across countries in Latin America. In some countries, activities have been implemented at a national level; in others, activities have been implemented at a single hospital or region within a country. Common barriers to implementation of NHS programs include a lack of funding, screening and diagnostic equipment, public awareness, and personnel qualified to work with infants and young children. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of several barriers, NHS programs have been implemented in at least some facilities and regions in Latin America. Additional efforts are needed to expand NHS activities in Latin America.
OBJETIVO: Evaluar la situación de los servicios de detección e intervención tempranas de problemas auditivos en América Latina. MÉTODOS: Entre junio y noviembre del 2007, la universidad Gallaudet, en colaboración con el Comité de Diversidad del Programa de Detección Auditiva e Intervención Tempranas de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de los Estados Unidos, distribuyó un cuestionario en 11 países latinoamericanos. El cuestionario incluía preguntas acerca de los procedimientos de examen sistemático de la capacidad auditiva en recién nacidos, la disponibilidad de servicios de intervención para menores de un año hipoacúsicos y los retos para detectarlos. Además, se efectuó una revisión bibliográfica para ayudar a determinar el estado de las iniciativas de examen sistemático de la audición en recién nacidos en América Latina. RESULTADOS: Respondieron a la encuesta seis países (Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, México, Panamá y Uruguay) y un territorio de los Estados Unidos (Puerto Rico). Las respuestas indicaron que los esfuerzos para detectar a los menores de un año hipoacúsicos varían dentro de cada país y de un país a otro en América Latina. En algunos países se han realizado actividades a nivel nacional; en otros, en un único hospital o zona del país. Los factores que con frecuencia obstaculizan la puesta en práctica de los programas de examen sistemático de la audición en recién nacidos incluyen la falta de financiamiento, de equipos de tamizaje y diagnóstico, de concientización del público y de personal capacitado para atender a menores de un año y niños pequeños. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de que existen varios obstáculos, se han ejecutado programas de examen sistemático de la audición en recién nacidos en al menos algunos establecimientos de salud y zonas de América Latina. Se necesitan esfuerzos mayores para ampliar estas actividades en América Latina.