Integrating community health workers into a community hearing health collaborative to understand the social determinants of health in children with hearing loss

Authors: Luz Adriana Matiz, Stephen Leong, Patricia J Peretz, Megan Kuhlmey, Stacey A Bernstein, Melissa A Oliver, Kristy Medina, Anil K Lalwani

This study presents the results of a retrospective chart review supplemented by CHW notes. Drawing on this evidence, the authors determine that CHWs are essential in connecting medical providers and patients with other crucial services and supports. Specifically, the study demonstrates that a multi-disciplinary team involving CHWs can help identify and support patients with hearing loss, however further evaluation is needed to understand CHWs’ specific impact potential in the context of such interventions.