Evaluation of Pediatric Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Survey of Pediatric Otolaryngologists

Objectives: We sought to determine the trends in the evaluation of pediatric patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to determine evaluation patterns based on respondents' demographic data. Methods: All members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology were invited to voluntarily and anonymously complete an online survey. The survey was available from September 2009 to January 2010 and addressed demographic data and tests obtained in evaluating new pediatric patients with SNHL at different age points and with different degrees of hearing loss. Results: The response rate was 22.9% (79 of 345). For all ages and all types of SNHL, the most common consultations were genetics (26% to 76%) and ophthalmology (31% to 66%) consultations. Computed tomography of the temporal bones (49% to 66%), genetic testing (25% to 68%), and electrocardiography (13% to 43%) were the most commonly performed tests. Although there was no consistent difference in practice patterns by gender or years of practice, there were differences in the use of thyroid function tests, TORCH titers, and autoimmune studies by hospital affiliation. Conclusions: Type of SNHL and age are factors in the evaluation of pediatric patients with SNHL. Additionally, evaluation patterns differ according to region and hospital affiliation. The results of this study may provide guidance for otolaryngologists in making information-based and cost-effective evaluations.