LM323 - Do You See What I See? Pediatric Ototoxicity Monitoring Program and Protocol for Earlier Identification of Hearing Loss

Abstract:
Young children are known to be at the highest risk for ototoxicity related to chemotherapy treatment however, there are many challenges to obtaining reliable and complete audiological evaluations throughout their medical treatment. Evaluation of an established ototoxicity program structure and protocol for improved success and earlier identification of hearing loss in this population.

Summary:
Pediatric patients have the highest rates and degree of hearing loss due to ototoxic medications during chemotherapy treatment. This patient population is challenging to evaluate hearing for several reasons resulting in limited hearing test results or unreliable responses. Our high-volume facility has an established pediatric ototoxicity program creating opportunities for reliable testing and our expansive protocol allows for earlier identification of hearing loss. Our practice and protocols will be supported by a discussion of our patient profiles. 

Learners will be engaged with critical thinking challenges and surveys. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their current program and protocol challenges with monitoring this population and possible solutions. The importance of monitoring this population closely is to avoid delayed or missed identification or treatment of hearing loss. Many children have completed chemotherapy treatment who have assumed normal hearing due to limited audiology protocols or lack of support for unaided hearing loss. 

Improved program efficiency and testing techniques will hopefully improve outside pediatric ototoxicity monitoring programs and protocols for earlier identification of hearing loss and improved patient care.