Pediatric Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The First Visit

Saturday, October 11, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT

Location: 231-232

Disclosure(s):

Samantha Anne, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Margaret A. Kenna, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Judith EC Lieu, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

daniel i. choo, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: There is significant variability among protocols for evaluation and management of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss. Factors such as ongoing developments in genetic testing capabilities, increased understanding of the role of CMV in hearing loss, and broad spectrum of hearing loss severity and laterality make it difficult to generalize testing and counseling to fit the needs of all patients. In this presentation, the focus will be on the clinician's approach to the family on the first visit after a child is diagnosed with hearing loss. Audience members will be asked to engage in a simulated discussion with family during that first visit. Panelists will engage with the audience and with one another regarding their approach, discussion strategies, and suggestions for next steps. Techniques to elicit parental concerns, understand parental values and opinions, and to engage in shared decision making will be reviewed. In addition, this complex topic will be distilled into distinct categories including congenital hearing loss, acquired hearing loss, and unilateral versus bilateral hearing loss. A discussion of how age at time of diagnosis affects testing and management strategies will be included. A systematic approach to evaluation and management towards these distinct categories will be discussed, with the understanding that an individualistic approach will still be necessary on a case-by-case basis. This panel is not intended to be a comprehensive literature review. Instead, the format will be a simulation of an encounter between a clinician and a parent with a child with hearing loss with presentation of simplified evidence that supports the discussion and answers.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Simulate various approaches for discussion of a new diagnosis of pediatric hearing loss with families

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Consider variables in decision-making process for types and timing of imaging, genetic testing and laboratory testing in pediatric hearing loss.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Discuss evidence that supports discussion and answers to simulated parent questions on pediatric hearing loss

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: There has been significant innovation in evaluation and management of pediatric hearing loss in recent years. At times, the amount of information can be daunting. Goal of the presentation is to distill the topic to be manageable, so that providers can counsel families appropriately

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

SA

Samantha Anne, MD

Medical Director, Pediatric Ear and Hearing Disorders; Professor, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Chagrin Falls, OH, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

MK

Margaret A. Kenna, MD

Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School
\rBoston Children's Hospital \r
Boston, MA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
JL

Judith EC Lieu, MD

Professor
Washington Univ Sch of Med
St. Louis, MO, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
dc

daniel i. choo, MD

Professor and Director, Division of Otolaryngology head and neck surgery
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
cincinnati, OH, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Michael S. Cohen, MD

Assistant Professor
Mass Eye and Ear/ Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.