The LEAQ relies on parent report, which has been shown to be a reliable way of assessing child development. Results with this tool in a group of children who received very early cochlear implantation are presented.
Methods: The LEAQ is the first module of the LittlEARS (R) comprehensive test battery for children under the age of two who have normal hearing PS 341 (NH), cochlear implants (CIs) or hearing
aids (HAs). The LEAQ is a parent questionnaire comprised of 35 “”yes/no”" questions which can be completed by parents in less than 10 min. Sixty-three children who received unilateral CIs at a young age were assessed longitudinally and their performance was compared to that of a NH group.
Results: All CI children reached the maximum possible score on the LEAQ on average by 22 months of hearing age, i.e. 38 months of chronological age. In comparison, the NH group reached the maximum score by 24 months of age demonstrating that auditory skills of CI children often develop quicker than those of NH children. In the two comparison groups of children aged (a) younger and older than 12 months, and (b)
between 6-9 and 21-24 months at first fitting, the early implanted children reached the highest scores faster than the later implanted children. Furthermore, three children with EVP4593 mouse additional needs were tested. They showed slower growth over time but also received benefits from early implantation.
Conclusions: The LEAQ is a quick and effective tool for assessing auditory skills Metabolism inhibitor of very young children with or without hearing loss. In our study, the auditory skills of children with CI progressed very quickly after implantation and were comparable with those of NH peers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: This economic evaluation reports the results of a detailed study of the cost of major trauma treated at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), Australia.
Methods: A bottom-up approach was used to collect and aggregate the direct and indirect costs generated by a sample of 30 inpatients treated for major trauma at PAH in 2004. Major trauma was defined as an
admission for Multiple Significant Trauma with an Injury Severity Score >15. Direct and indirect costs were amalgamated from three sources, (1) PAH inpatient costs, (2) Medicare Australia, and (3) a survey instrument. Inpatient costs included the initial episode of inpatient care including clinical and outpatient services and any subsequent representations for ongoing-related medical treatment. Medicare Australia provided an itemized list of pharmaceutical and ambulatory goods and services. The survey instrument collected out-of-pocket expenses and opportunity cost of employment forgone. Inpatient data obtained from a publically funded trauma registry were used to control for any potential bias in our sample. Costs are reported in Australian dollars for 2004 and 2008.