A state wide matched case-control study of bilateral sensorineural
hearing loss in Queensland’s premature infant population between
2007 and 2011: Aetiological factors and screening
(Diagnosis and description of preterm infants with hearing loss detected
under newborn hearing screening)
Introduction: All babies born in Queensland are screened for hearing loss soon after
birth through the Queensland Healthy Hearing, Newborn Hearing Screening Program
(Queensland Health). Hear and Say, a program helping children with hearing loss to
learn to listen and speak, will work in partnership with Professor David Tudehope to
conduct a case control study examining specific aetiological factors for pre-term
infants diagnosed with a permanent hearing loss. This study includes a focussed
literature review which has helped define the aims and objectives of this project,
and ensures the study is novel and does not duplicate already published work. The
study has, in 2013-2014 been designed and initiated by a current MBBS 3-4 Honours
student from University of Queensland.
Applications are called for a volunteer MBBS Year 2 student in 2014, with a view to
the successful student continuing on to an Honours program in 2015 and
collaborating with the more senior student to complete data gathering, analysis and
write-up. The Year 2 student will assist with an ongoing literature review to cover any
relevant new literature on this topic, determine current research and identify
knowledge gaps. This will be followed by the use of a data extraction tool to
complete a retrospective chart review of cases and matched controls to determine
contributing factors to the hearing loss and its outcomes and any co-existing
features of this population. There are a number of different opportunities for
publications emanating from this study.
Aims & Objectives: To gain information on the diagnostic process and aetiology and
to describe the co-existing features of the population of infants diagnosed with
hearing loss through universal newborn hearing screening in Queensland. The
outcomes of this study will be used to inform government and decision makers. This
study will also develop the Hear and Say Foundation for future outcomes research
which will enhance the diagnosis, treatment and counselling for these infants and
their parents.
Study Design: This study will consist of three phases:
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Phase 1 – Literature Review
Phase 2 – Data gathering through extraction tool development and dynamic
chart review of cases and controls
Phase 3 – Analysis and publication of results
Study population: Preterm infants diagnosed with a moderate or greater bilateral
permanent sensorineural hearing loss with no medically identified syndromes or
congenital anomalies
Ethical Considerations:
*The study has passed most ethical and governace approvals and part of the
research student’s role will be to facilitate writing and negotiation of any further
governance and privacy applications required.
Study Outcomes and Significance:
This study will make a significant contribution to the knowledge of outcomes for
preterm infants with hearing loss. It will be a world-first study in this area.
The selection process will favour students with good writing skills, previous
publications, prior experience with data extraction or chart reviews. Please
apply in writing by Friday 30 April 2012, including your curriculum vitae to:
Adjunct Associate Professor Dimity Dornan
dimity@hearandsaycentre.com.au
Supervisors will include:
Professor David Tudehope, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, UQ and
Professorial Research Fellow Mater Research Institute –University of
Queensland
Adjunct Associate Professor Dimity Dornan, Department of Speech and
Hearing, School of Health and Rehabilitation Services, Founder and Executive
Director of Hear and Say.
Dr Gabriella Constantinescu, Lead Researcher, Hear and Say.
Emma Rushbrooke, Clinical Director, Hear and Say
Beth Atkinson, Lead Audiologist, Hear and Say
Successful applicants will be interviewed and notified in writing by 30
November 2014