Evaluating Loss to Follow-up in Newborn Hearing Screening in a Southern State

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine loss to follow-up (LTFU) for diagnostic or early intervention (EI) services for South Carolina infants screened or diagnosed with hearing loss, and the risk factors associated with LTFU. Design: A cross sectional analysis of data from South Carolina was used to examine LTFU for the use of audiologic evaluation services after initial newborn hearing screening and receipt of EI services after confirmation of hearing loss. Results: Three percent (3.1%) of newborns screened in the state of South Carolina did not pass their hearing screening in 2013. Nearly half (49.1%) of those children had a documented audiologic diagnostic evaluation within one month of their initial screen. Factors significant with documentation of a diagnostic evaluation include birth weight, mother’s race, and mother’s education. The degree of hearing loss was a significant determinant of documented EI services. Conclusions: We found several characteristics that put children at risk for LTFU for both the initial diagnostic services and EI services in South Carolina. Interventions targeted at specific groups are needed to improve the delivery of both diagnostic evaluations and EI services, and prevent a public health shortfall