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Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to report the current clinical practice patterns for assessment of infants after a referred newborn hearing screening within the context of available guidelines and to examine how the advent of newer stimuli, technology, and/or instrumentation has changed clinical practice patterns for audiologic infant assessment. A mixed-method survey that included both quantitative and qualitative questions was disseminated to pediatric audiologists in 2017. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics while qualitative questions were analyzed via content analysis and combined with associated quantitative data. Lastly, infant assessment test battery categorization was completed to ascertain the extent to which providers were using recommended protocols. Results revealed appreciable variability in the test batteries employed by facilities evaluating infants. Additionally, a sizable portion of facilities are not using test batteries recommended by sources of guidance for evidence-based practice, suggesting a possible need for adopting a standardized protocol in the United States. Factors that potentially contribute to these results are reviewed as well as proposed next steps towards improving adherence to recommended guidelines.

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