Crockett Hospital today announced it will begin a universal newborn hearing screening program, which will enable all infants to be screened for hearing impairments prior to hospital discharge.
Hearing impairment is the most common disability at birth. Every year nearly 24,000 babies are born in the United States with hearing impairments. "For children not screened for hearing loss at birth, the average age of identification is approximately 14 months of age, well after the most critical period for language development has passed" explains Terrye Augustin, OB Supervisor. "Many people do not realize that hearing aids and therapy are available for infants as soon as they are a few weeks old." Research shows that infants identified at birth for hearing impairment have a greater opportunity to develop within the normal range of language comprehension, verbal expression, and psycho-social development, than do children identified later.
"We are using a screening technology based upon the "Gold Standard" Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test", said Terrye. "The ALGO Newborn Hearing Screener tests the baby's entire hearing pathway, from the ear to the brainstem. It records the baby's brainwave responses to a series of soft clicks and compares them to a pattern of normal responses." The testing is conducted while the baby sleeps, is non-invasive, and takes from 2 to 15 minutes. Parents have the results prior to discharge from the hospital.
"Now that we have implemented a (universal) newborn hearing screening program, we can effectively address the many needs of children born with hearing loss and extend help to their families," said Terrye. "Having identified those infants who are hearing impaired, we can quickly provide the appropriate medical, audiological and educational follow-up to give these newborns the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. This is a valuable program, one we are proud to implement for all newborns".
For more information about newborn hearing, contact Terrye Augustin at 766-3230.
Women in all stages of life benefit from the services available through our Women's Center at Crockett Hospital. The Women's Center provides a full spectrum of services from obstetrics and gynecology to osteoporosis.
We provide the most comprehensive state-of-the-art services and facilities available - all within a genuinely friendly and comfortable environment. Our caring professionals from obstetricians and gynecologists to dieticians and social workers, have dedicated their lives to helping women.
We understand that most women spend their lifetime caring for others. As a busy wife, mother and working professional, there is virtually no time for a "down time" due to an illness or injury. Our team is committed to providing the best and most efficient care possible, to keep your schedule going.
Services include screening and diagnostic capabilities such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI, bone density, and patient education, along with advanced technologies and techniques such as laser surgery.
The spacious lobby, complete with skylight, provides
family and friends with a serene setting for waiting and viewing the
newborns. There are six LDRP (labor, delivery, recovery, and post-partum)
rooms. The LDRPs are designed with the family in mind. The
family stays in one LDRP for their entire stay; no moving from
patient room to delivery room back to the patient room. The LDRPs
are attractively decorated and complete with a dining table and chairs, TV
and VCR, recliner, and a spacious bath.
The Center provides the latest in technology and equipment. The Labor & Delivery area boasts a sophisticated infant security system. Each baby wears a security bracelet. If someone attempts to exit the area with the baby or remove the bracelet, all the doors automatically lock. The addition also includes a surgery suite dedicated to women's health surgeries, and a spacious nurse's station complete with the latest, sophisticated computer monitoring systems.
We encourage family bonding by providing flexible visitation schedules for siblings and other family members. We even share your joy by posting your baby's photo on the Internet on our "Newborns on the Net" announcing your new arrival to your neighbors and friends around the world. These special touches make each delivery memorable and special for the entire family.
But don't just take our word for it. Since the hospital opened in 1974, Crockett Hospital has helped families across the Mid-South celebrate the birth of their new bundle of joy.
For more information about these services, call 931-766-3230.
New Technology at Crockett Hospital
Help in Fight Against Osteoporosis
Lawrenceburg – Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis. Fifty thousand people die each year because of it. Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from the disease.
Osteoporosis results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all postmenopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis.
Research in osteoporosis, the disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances. A key factor in this success has been the availability of new and improved equipment to measure bone density.
Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevent. A new bone densitometer was installed at Crockett Hospital in December of 1999.
“The PRODIGYä bone densitometer measures the density of the spine, hip, and other bones which are the most frequent sites of fracture,” explained Jack Buck, CEO of Crockett Hospital
“Until now, evaluating bone density using conventional x-ray systems did not reveal a potential problem until a patient had lost 25-30 percent of her bone density. Now, in just 30 seconds, this highly sensitive densitometer helps us identify risk at a much earlier stage. It can also evaluate response to treatment so that we know whether our therapy is effective or if we need to modify our approach.”
“Fortunately, “ Buck said, “recent research findings clarify the nature of the disease, and demonstrate the effectiveness of new treatments. New diagnostic devices, such as the PRODIGYä bone densitometer, improve the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis.”
Mr. Buck encourages individuals to visit their local family physician and be evaluated for a bone density examination. “There is no special preparation involved for the patient, the exam is very brief, and is a very comfortable procedure for the patient,” he said.
Further information regarding osteoporosis, risk factors, and bone density measurement may obtained by contacting your local family physician.
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