Parkview Medical Center
has earned the Joint Commission's
Gold Seal of Approval.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
| Contact: |
| Michelle Peulen, PR Specialist |
| Parkview Medical Center |
| Michelle_Peulen@ParkviewMC.com |
| (719) 584-4499, (719) 222-3241 pager |
Parkview offers Advanced Pediatric Diagnostic Hearing Screening
(Pueblo, CO July 9, 2007) – Each year in the United States, more than 12,000 babies are born with a hearing loss. Early identification, of a hearing loss, and intervention can prevent severe psychosocial, educational and linguistic repercussions. Infants who are not identified before 6 months of age may have delays in speech and language development. In order to provide enhanced hearing screenings, Parkview Medical Center has invested in the Navigator® PRO Multiple Auditory Steady-State Evoked Response (MASTER) system. The MASTER system provides a rapid and objective assessment of hearing.
The primary use for the MASTER system is to evaluate hearing loss in infants who have failed two newborn objective non-invasive physiological tests, indicating some degree of newborn hearing loss. Even a mild or partial hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to speak and understand language. Hearing problems can be treated, if caught early-ideally by the time a baby is three-months old. In 2006, 56 percent of newborns in Colorado were recommended to have a third screening.
Every newborn has a universal newborn hearing screening before leaving Parkview. If the newborn does not pass that screening, the same screening is given to the infant 10 days later. If the infant fails the test for a second time, the child is scheduled for the diagnostic hearing screening. The diagnostic hearing screening is administered by a board certified audiologist. Parkview provides a pediatric nurse to assist with the testing procedures and can administer light oral sedation if needed. The Pediatric nurse stays with the patient throughout the entire screening. Prior to Parkview purchasing the MASTER system, these patients were referred out-of-town to have the advanced screening performed.
In addition to Parkview’s investment in the MASTER system, a pediatric sedation room has been added to the Same Day Surgery unit. MASTER screening is done in this “night time” themed room. The “dreamy” room is also available for pediatric patients who need to be sedated for other procedures.
“Parents have appreciated the ease and convenience of having the screening available right here at Parkview,” explained Paula Kirchner, Kidsville Pediatric Unit Lead Clinical Nurse. “And everyone loves the sedation room.” ### | |