LM329 - Examining the Social Determinants of Infant Hearing Health Care

Abstract:
Early hearing loss detection and intervention programs have been implemented for decades. Unfortunately, health care inequities exist that impact access and outcomes for infants born with hearing loss and their families. This presentation describes research that investigated the social determinants of infant hearing health systems by applying Ontario's Health Equity Impact Assessment tool with professionals. Results have clarified mechanisms that produce and perpetuate existing inequities in infant hearing health systems.

Summary:
Despite some countries having a national infant hearing health strategy to respond to newborn hearing loss, inequities exist causing barriers to access. It is surprising to note that Canada does not have a national infant hearing health strategy. In fact, 7 out of 13 provinces/territories have infant hearing health programs, meaning infants born with hearing loss in specific postal code regions will experience delayed development. The objective of this work was to investigate the social determinants of health that contribute to the infant hearing health disparities in three Canadian provinces. A Health Equity Impact Assessment was completed by professionals working with children born with permanent hearing loss in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Audiologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Teachers of the Deaf, ASL Educators, and Managers were recruited to complete the online survey. Introductory and closing informational webinars were presented to participants to describe social determinants of health for each of the 5 components of an EHDI system. Most (81%) of the 37 respondents were Audiologists with more than 20 years of experience. Results indicated that access to hearing screening, assessment, and supports is primarily impacted by education and literacy of caregiver(s). This social factor was reported to be an important contributor to existing hearing health inequities in the Canadian provinces represented. This work clarifies mechanisms that produce and perpetuate existing inequities in infant hearing health care and emphasize the importance of prioritizing educational and awareness initiatives for caregivers with within infant hearing health systems more broadly.

This is considered an intermediate instructional level because knowledge of the foundations of EHDI systems and the current challenges that are experienced is necessary. This background knowledge will provide the foundation for understanding the social factors that impact a family's ability to access the services offered through comprehensive EHDI systems.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
The clinical takeaway for this session is the education and literacy of caregiver(s) of children within EHDI systems was highlighted by audiologists as the main cause of inequities to access and outcome. Knowing this, clinicians will be motivated to prioritize educational and awareness initiatives for caregivers within their EHDI systems.