(A922) CANCELLED: Examining Audiometric Screening Outcomes in Pediatric Patients of Non-Native English-Speaking Families

Introduction: This is the first study in the literature that explores disparities in audiometric screening among pediatric non-native English speakers.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 172 patients seen for well-child visits at ages 4, 5, 6, or 8 between 1/2020-12/2021. Patient demographics and audiometric screening data were collected to assess compliance with American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Fisher’s Exact Test to evaluate differences in screening rates between the English-preferred and non-English-preferred groups.

Results: A total of 172 patients were grouped into English-preferred (N = 86) and non-English-preferred (N = 86). The mean age of participants across both groups was 10.8 years (p=0.83), with all patients enrolled in state insurance and a near-equal distribution of males and females. The most common non-English languages spoken were Nepali (41.9%), Mai Mai (11.6%), and Swahili (8.1%). English-preferred patients who attended appointments were 1.2 times more likely to receive audiometric screenings. A statistically significant difference was observed in screening rates at the 4-year well-child visit, with 72% of English speakers screened versus 55% of non-English speakers (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in screening occurrence at 5, 6, and 8-year visits.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the critical disparities in audiometric screening among non-native English-speaking children, with fewer non-native English-speaking patients screened for hearing loss at age 4. The findings indicate that patients who first engaged with the new American refugee clinic at age 4 faced challenges in receiving timely audiometric assessments, largely due to the complexities of their medical needs and care coordination. This underscores an urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at bias mitigation and enhanced provider education to ensure equitable access to hearing assessments.