Hearing impairment and development — branching viva

Stem

A 2-year-old has unclear speech and loud television. Newborn hearing screen passed. There are recurrent colds. [8]

Examiner: Does a newborn pass exclude permanent hearing loss later? [1]

Strong answer: No. Late-onset and progressive losses occur. Clinical concern always warrants diagnostic audiology regardless of newborn pass. [1] [3]

Examiner: Why might mild bilateral loss still matter? [8]

Strong answer: Population data link slight-to-mild loss with academic, behavioural and quality-of-life effects. Classroom noise amplifies functional impact. [8]

Examiner: Outline principles after confirmed bilateral severe SNHL in infancy. [3]

Strong answer: Fit amplification promptly, enrol family-centred early intervention, arrange ENT/implant assessment as appropriate, pursue aetiology in parallel, support parent communication. Do not delay devices for testing alone. [3] [4]

Examiner: What did the CDaCI study add about cochlear implants? [4]

Strong answer: Prospective multicentre data showed spoken language development after implantation, with better trajectories associated with earlier implantation and related baseline factors among candidates. [4]

Examiner: When do tympanostomy tubes enter the OME conversation? [9]

Strong answer: For persistent/recurrent OME with hearing impact and developmental or educational concern per guideline criteria — not for every episode of cold-related fluid. Measure hearing and reassess. [9]