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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Published by International journal of audiology, 2025. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2025.2477035