Listening and Learning to Read: The Impact of Hearing Loss on Literacy with Krystal Werfel

Guest: Krystal Werfel, PhD, CCC-SLP - Dr. Werfel discusses her current research regarding the acquisition of literacy for children with hearing loss who use spoken language. Her studies examine what early literacy skills look like for children with hearing loss, how minimal hearing loss (often undetected) can impact reading skills, and considerations for these children in a post-COVID-19 world.

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PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·2mo ago

Early Auditory Stimulation, Not Device Type: Comparable Cortical Maturation in Children Using Cochlear Implants or Hearing Aids

Prioritise early auditory stimulation regardless of device type — timing of intervention appears more important than the choice between cochlear implant and hearing aid for cortical auditory maturation.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·2mo ago

Quantifying Inner Ear Function in Children With a Diagnosis of Cancer: Assessment of Vestibular and Audiometric Function

Audiologists and oncology teams caring for pediatric cancer patients should routinely screen for vestibular impairment alongside audiometric monitoring, as this study suggests vestibular damage is an under-detected late effect of cancer treatment in children.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·4w ago

Barriers to Timely Infant Hearing Loss Diagnosis Utilizing Auditory Brainstem Response

Audiologists and clinic administrators in under-resourced health systems should review their referral-to-ABR workflows and actively address identified barriers — such as appointment availability, geographic access, and caregiver navigation support — to reduce diagnostic delays...

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·3mo ago

Ototoxicity Associated with Antineoplastic Agents in the Pediatric Population: An Evidence-Based Review of Auditory Monitoring Strategies and Contemporary Diagnostic Frameworks-Narrative Review

Audiologists managing pediatric oncology patients should apply evidence-based auditory monitoring protocols aligned with current diagnostic frameworks for platinum-based chemotherapy ototoxicity; this review consolidates existing guidance but does not introduce new...

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·7w ago

Avoiding Cisplatin-Related Hearing Loss, Including Implementing Sodium Thiosulfate as Otoprotectant Into Daily Pediatric Clinical Practice: Proceedings Based on Evidence and Expert Opinion From the Ototoxicity Taskforce of the SIOP Supportive Care Network

Audiologists and oncology teams treating pediatric cisplatin patients should be aware of SIOP Ototoxicity Taskforce guidance supporting sodium thiosulfate as an otoprotectant, and advocate for its integration into institutional chemotherapy protocols.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·5w ago

Evaluation of a hearing assessment protocol for children with communication or autism concerns

Audiologists seeing children with autism or communication concerns should review their current assessment protocols against those evaluated in this study, as identified barriers may prompt workflow or referral pathway improvements.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·3mo ago

Newborn hearing screening in infants at risk of hearing loss: diagnostic outcomes, false-negative results, and the role of surveillance

Clinicians managing at-risk newborns should maintain structured audiological surveillance beyond initial screening, as false-negative rates indicate that a single screen is insufficient for this population.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·7w ago

Ototoxicity of a Single Fulminant Episode of Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Long-Term Follow-Up

Long-term cochlear and vestibular follow-up after fulminant acute otitis media in children is warranted; audiologists should be aware that even a single severe episode may carry lasting inner-ear consequences requiring monitoring.