Course Description
There is evidence to support both the protection of excessive auditory exposure as well as the therapeutic use of auditory interventions in the NICU among preterm infants. Benefits of therapeutic auditory interventions include improved mother-infant interaction, reduced maternal stress behaviors, and improved infant vital signs and developmental outcomes. However, there is suspected variability in the application of auditory interventions and abatement practices across settings as well as within the same institution. The purpose of this study is to investigate the real-world application of auditory protection and therapeutic auditory interventions for high-risk infants in the NICU, from the perspective of staff members who work in the NICU. We surveyed staff members who see patients clinically in the NICU and who have knowledge about the auditory environment of the NICU in which they practice. Participants were recruited via social media (Facebook groups and pages, Instagram), emails to NICU listings/colleagues, and postings on newsletters that are sent to NICU staff members. Invitations to participate included a link to a Survey of Auditory Exposures in the NICU in REDCap. The survey took approximately 40-45 minutes to complete and probed the use of auditory protection, therapeutic auditory interventions, the NICU auditory environment and initiatives, and types of measurement of the auditory environment occurring in real-world practice. The research findings are discussed for the first time in this course.
Target Audience
OT, SLP, PT, RN, and Neonatal professionals
Level
Intermediate
Course Objectives
Instructional Method
Lecture and handouts. Learning assessment and course evaluation follow the course.
Course Completion Requirements
The learner must view the entire webinar, complete the course evaluation, and achieve a score of at least 80% on the post-webinar learning assessment to receive education credit. Login and logout times are recorded and documented. Following course completion, learners receive a CE certificate and a zip file containing the necessary information to submit for education credit to their individual state, where required. The zip file will include a course bibliography. Physical therapists are responsible for knowing and adhering to their state’s CE deadlines, rules, and regulations.
Speaker Bios
Bob White, MD, is the Director of the Regional Newborn Program at Beacon Children’s Hospital (through Pediatrix Medical Group) in South Bend, IN. His work focuses on optimizing the NICU environment to support the health and development of critically ill newborns. Dr. White studies how factors such as light, sound, and caregiving practices impact outcomes for premature and medically fragile infants. His research and advocacy have helped shape guidelines for NICU design and care practices aimed at minimizing stress and promoting neurodevelopment. Dr. White is actively involved in interdisciplinary collaboration, working with architects, nurses, and families to create healing-centered NICU environments.
Bobbi Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT served in NICU OT clinical roles from 1992-2006, gained experience as a NICU parent of a premature infant in 1998 and again in 2006, and now conducts clinical research in the NICU as an Associate Professor at the University of Southern California. Her research largely aims to understand modifiable factors within the NICU environment that can improve outcomes. She is author of the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) program and Neonatal Eating Outcome Assessment. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and serves on the Neonatal Therapy National Certification Board.
Disclosures
Bob White, MD
Financial: No relevant disclosures.
Nonfinancial: No relevant disclosures.
Bobbi Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT
Financial: No relevant disclosures.
Nonfinancial: Member of the Neonatal Therapy Certification Board.
Conflict of Interest
There is no conflict of interest for anyone with the ability to control content for this activity.
Agenda
00:00–05:00 min: Introduction to the topic and speakers
05:00–10:0 min: Developmental considerations for auditory exposure: Why the auditory environment matters for preterm and medically vulnerable infants
10:00–23:00 min: Creating a healthy sound environment in the NICU: Structural and environmental considerations
23:00–30:00 min: Auditory development: Structure, function, and timing of the developing auditory system
30:00–33:00 min: Risks to auditory development: Sensorineural hearing impairment and sensory processing challenges
33:00–40:00 min: Examining the NICU soundscape through a developmental lens: Quality, quantity, and timing of auditory exposure
40:00–50:00 min: Defining developmentally appropriate auditory exposures: Evidence-based interventions to optimize infant development and family engagement. Research initiatives examining the NICU auditory environments across the US.
50:00-60:00 min: Recorded questions and answers
60:00-65:00 min: Learning assessment
Registration information
Members: To access this course, click the “Login” button at the top of the screen. NANT Membership is required for course access.
Non-members: Join NANT Membership to access this course and over 35 other NICU courses included with Membership.
For ADA accommodations, please contact NANT Customer Support at (866) 999-5524 for more information.
Speech-language pathologists may update their ASHA CE reporting preference at any time by accessing their NANT Hub profile.
Cancellation Policy
Review NANT’s Course Cancellation Policy
Continuing Education Information
AOTA CEUs
National Association of Neonatal Therapists® (NANT) is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 17098. This Distance Learning-Independent Course is offered at 0.1 CEUs (Intermediate level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery & Foundational Knowledge). AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
This course is approved for 1.0 contact hour.
ASHA CEUs
Learners must complete the entire course in order to receive ASHA CEUs. No partial credit awarded. ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.
ASHA CE Registry users: NANT will submit your ASHA CEU credit to ASHA on your behalf. ASHA CEUs may take up to 100 days to appear on your ASHA Transcript.
Non-ASHA CE Registry users: Maintain your course records and please keep your registry status current in your NANT account. Update your NANT account with your ASHA number if your registry status changes. NANT is not responsible for tracking your registry usage.
PT CE Credit
This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider 2801058TX and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas. This activity is offered for 1.0 CCUs for PTs and PTAs.
The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE.
NANT is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education.
*NANT 16 attendees who previously viewed this educational content may retake this course and receive CE Credit.
Questions regarding CE credit should be directed to the National Association of Neonatal Therapists at [email protected] or (866) 999-5524.
