MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA) is a group of neonatologists, advanced neonatal practitioners, physician assistants and research scientists dedicated to providing exemplary neonatal intensive care.
MANIMS
MidAtlantic Newborn and Infant Medical Services (MANIMS) is comprised of audiologists, physicians, and audiology assistants who provide hearing screening services to infants prior to hospital discharge. In the United States, more than 12,000 infants are born each year with a hearing deficit, making it one of the most commonly occurring congenital defects. As a result of the large volume of children born with hearing loss, the state of New Jersey mandated screening of all newborns in 2002. The goal of newborn hearing screening is to screen prior to one month of age, diagnose hearing loss by 3 months and to provide early intervention services by 6 months of age. The MANIMS newborn hearing screening program originated in April 2005. Within a year the program grew to encompass 4 hospitals and is now responsible for over 9,500 births annually. The program was designed to meet all state requirements and includes
- Newborn hearing screening utilizing both OAE and ABR technology
- Chart and hospital based documentation
- State notification of results via the Electronic Birth Certificate
- Face to face parental/guardian notification of results
- Pediatrician notification
- Customized database allowing family and infant follow up tracking
- Weekly mailings to families in need of follow up services
- Coordination with local audiology departments
- Statistical tracking both collectively and site specific
The MANIMS program has produced outstanding results. As of September 2009, 99.91% of babies have been screened prior to discharge, with only 1.05% of infants leaving the hospital without passing their test. In addition to providing a state compliant program we strive for excellence. MANIMS has recently initiated a quality assurance committee and is also involved in clinical research. With future plans to publish results MANIMS strives to contribute to the success of newborn hearing screening programs both nationally and internationally.
Laura Crawford Au.D. FAAA CCC/A, Program Director, has over 13 years experience in the field of Audiology. She has expertise in all areas of the field including balance assessment, auditory processing and assistive technology. She has been concentrating on evaluating and diagnosing newborn hearing loss since her arrival at MANIMS in 2005. Dr. Crawford is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, the American Speech Language Association and the New Jersey Speech Language Association. She has presented both locally and nationally on topics such noise induced hearing loss and age related deficits. In her current position Dr. Crawford is responsible for the program’s development, implementation and daily oversight. Dr. Crawford received her M.A. degree from The College of New Jersey and her Au.D. from Arizona School of Health Sciences, a division of the Kirksville School of Osteopathic Medicine.
MANIMS Events
Current Topics in Congenital Hearing Loss
More details / Download program
June 11, 2009: This year’s conference will focus on the current state of knowledge on early developmental outcomes of children with permanent hearing impairment as well as infectious causes of hearing impairment. Our featured speakers include Dr. Betty Vohr (Professor of Pediatrics, Brown University), Dr. Pablo Sanchez (Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern), Dr. Susan Burch (Smithsonian Institution) and Laura Crawford (AuD, CCC-A, FAAA, Program Director, Newborn Hearing Screening).
May 14, 2008: This conference united the essential components of early intervention, beginning with inpatient newborn hearing screening and outpatient follow up services. We explored genetics and genetic testing in relation to congenital hearing loss and diagnosis.
