The development of a clinical practice guideline for the audiological management of infants and young children with permanent unilateral hearing loss using an integrated knowledge translation approach.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development and implementation of a management pathway for infants and young children identified with permanent unilateral hearing loss within an early hearing detection and intervention program in Ontario, Canada.

Design: An integrated knowledge translation approach was used to synthesise knowledge and generate a product: an updated clinical practice guideline. Current unilateral hearing loss guidelines were combined with the results of a scoping literature review focusing on technology options and outcomes for children with limited usable hearing unilaterally.

Collaborators: Five paediatric audiologists partnered with two researchers to develop the knowledge product. A draft was provided to 75 audiologists who provide amplification services and was subsequently tailored to support clinical uptake by incorporating the audiologists' comments.

Results: The updated clinical practice guideline describes a care pathway for children with unilateral hearing loss. Tools and graphics were developed as part of the integrated knowledge translation approach. Following standardised, competency-based training, the co-created guideline was implemented.

Conclusions: Through an integrated knowledge translation approach, an updated unilateral hearing loss clinical practice guideline was co-created and implemented. The guideline provides information for the management of infants and young children with permanent unilateral hearing loss to support the operationalisation of current evidence-informed care.