About

Dr. Albert H. Park is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist at University of Utah Health and Primary Children's Hospital. His scope of practice includes a wide range of pediatric otolaryngology conditions such as cytomegalovirus infections, hearing loss, airway obstruction, congenital neck lesions, and recurrent parotitis. He is the principal investigator for an NIH funded multi-institutional clinical trial to determine whether the antiviral drug valganciclovir can improve hearing outcomes for children with cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is the most common infectious cause of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss. Dr. Park established a CMV working group involving pediatric genetics, infectious disease, otolaryngology, audiology, neurology, the department of health, and ARUP laboratories to streamline clinical and research initiatives in this field. These efforts have led to the development of the first clinically validated dry blood spot and saliva PCR assay for congenital CMV infection testing. He has also worked with legislative efforts in Utah to increase awareness and mandate early CMV testing for newborns who fail hearing screens, making Utah the first state to implement a hearing-targeted screening program for early CMV diagnosis. With extensive experience in pediatric otolaryngology, Dr. Park has authored over 80 journal articles and book chapters, and he is actively involved in teaching undergraduates, medical students, residents, and fellows. His research and clinical work focus on improving health outcomes related to pediatric hearing loss and congenital infections.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Virology
• Audiology
• Anatomy
• Internal medicine
• Biology
• Surgery
• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Chemistry
• Immunology
• Andrology

Selected publications

• Hearing and neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with congenital cytomegalovirus

  International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology · 2025-05-26

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Cochlear Implant Usage in Children

  Otolaryngology · 2025-11-18

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cochlear implant (CI) usage in children by comparing hearing hour percentage (HHP) during the pandemic to prepandemic levels. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. SETTING: Primary Children's Hospital, Utah. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for children aged 9 months to 18.9 years old who underwent CI between January 2018 and September 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised first-time CI recipients with at least 1 year of follow-up data. HHP was calculated by dividing total wear time by the expected daily awake time based on the patient's age. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to control for confounding variables of HHP, with demographic, clinical, and procedural variables entered as independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients were included. A significant decline in HHP was observed during the pandemic, from 55.0% (SE = 4.3, n = 30) in 2019 to 26.2% (SE = 5.5, n = 22) in 2020. Regression analyses also revealed a significant decrease in HHP during both the early pandemic period (2020-2021) (P = .0014) and late in the pandemic period (2022-2023) (P = .011) compared to pre-pandemic levels. After controlling for confounders, the late pandemic period remained significantly associated with a reduction in HHP (β = -15.6, P = .018), but the decline in HHP during the early phase of the pandemic was no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Pandemic-related disruptions led to a decline in pediatric CI use, underscoring the need for targeted support during public health crises.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Intracellular Ganciclovir Triphosphate Concentrations in Children With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

  The Journal of Infectious Diseases · 2025-12-10 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common cause of nonhereditary pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Importantly, cCMV is treatable, with the primary option being ganciclovir (GCV) or its orally bioavailable pro-drug valganciclovir (VGCV). A challenge for treating cCMV is the elevated risk for neutropenia associated with standard dosing. Optimizing and individualizing (V)GCV dosing could ameliorate the risk of neutropenia and improve efficacy but requires an understanding of the complex intracellular phosphorylation processes that govern the formation of the active GCV-triphosphate (GCV-TP) moiety. This study utilizes dried blood spot (DBS) samples from infants with cCMV to quantify GCV-TP and explore the kinetics of GCV-TP in this matrix. METHODS: DBS samples were collected from infants with cCMV infection receiving 16 mg/kg VGCV twice daily as part of either a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (ValEAR) or an open-label PK study. GCV-TP concentrations in DBS were determined using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Data indicate that GCV-TP is long-lived in DBS, with a half-life approximating 21 days. This leads to extensive GCV-TP accumulation in this matrix (primarily consisting of erythrocytes), with an expected approximately 62-fold difference in first-dose and steady-state concentrations. Simulated data highlight the potential for DBS GCV-TP to be used as an objective adherence marker. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the need to define the kinetics of GCV-TP in cell matrices relevant to its activity to determine appropriate VGCV dosing strategies in this population and establish safe and define effective therapeutic concentration targets.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Predicting factors in children with positive dry blood spot testing for congenital Cytomegalovirus infection

  International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology · 2025-05-29 · 1 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Comparing Low‐Frequency Hearing Thresholds between Insert Earphones and Headphones in Ears with Tympanic Membrane Perforations

  OTO Open · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract Objective To compare hearing thresholds at 250 and 500 Hz in pediatric patients with tympanic membrane perforations (TMP) using RadioEar IP30 insert earphones and RadioEar TDH50s 3045 supra‐aural headphones Study Design Prospective clinical pilot study. Setting Primary Children's Hospital, Utah. Methods Children (<18 years of age) were prospectively enrolled into 2 groups based on the presence of TMPs (no TMP, TMP). Hearing thresholds were measured at 250 and 500 Hz using RadioEar IP30 insert earphones and RadioEar TDH50s 3045 supra‐aural headphones for all participants. Results At 250 and 500 Hz, hearing thresholds were significantly higher when recorded with insert earphones than with supra‐aural headphones in pediatric participants with TMPs. At 250 Hz, thresholds obtained with inserts were 14.7 ± 7.2 dB ( P < .001) higher than thresholds obtained with supra‐aural headphones and 8.0 ± 7.5 dB higher ( P < .01) at 500 Hz. Conclusion Low‐frequency hearing thresholds were significantly higher when measured with insert earphones in patients with TMPsbut not in patients without TMPs. A diagnosis of low‐frequency hearing loss must be interpreted with caution when using insert earphones in participants with TMPs.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Exploring the Feasibility of Tele‐Audiology in Rural Communities to Reduce Care Disparities for At‐Risk Newborns

  Otolaryngology · 2025-02-17

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) program providing telehealth auditory brainstem response (tele-ABR) testing to rural families in order to reduce disparities in hearing loss (HL) diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of infants born at the Uintah Basin Medical Center from 2006 to 2021 who failed the newborn hearing screen (NBHS) and underwent ABR. SETTING: In-person ABRs were conducted at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Tele-ABRs were conducted at the DHSS satellite site in Roosevelt, UT. METHODS: tests were used to compare in-person and tele-ABR groups. RESULTS: Of 125 infants who failed the NBHS, 66 (52.8%) underwent tele-ABR. Tele-ABR participants were more likely to be American Indian (P < .05). Distance traveled was lower for the tele-ABR group: 13.1 miles vs. 102.8 miles (P < .001). Age at testing was earlier for the in-person group (35.7 vs 47.2 days, P = .04), but there was no difference in adherence to the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guideline of testing within 3 months (P = .19). CONCLUSION: Tele-ABR participants benefited from shorter travel distances compared to in-person participants while still receiving timely diagnosis. Given that the tele-ABR group included more American Indians, this approach may enable evaluation of an underserved population. Tele-ABR is a viable diagnostic tool to reduce barriers to timely testing.

  PublisherDOI

• Comparison of Hearing Phenotypes Among Children With Congenital Cytomegalovirus and Other Non‐Cytomegalovirus Conditions

  OTO Open · 2025-04-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Objective: Hearing phenotype of the congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)-infected children with isolated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may be distinct from other types of SNHL and may provide an alternative approach for diagnosis. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Setting: Hearing test results of SNHL patients between 2006 and 2022 at Primary Children's Hospital and patients with the following conditions were included: cCMV with isolated SNHL, connexin 26 mutation, enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA), and idiopathic. Methods: Using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, we compared each patient's first reliable hearing threshold from 250 to 4000 Hz. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curves was calculated for hearing measures in the cCMV and idiopathic groups. The Youden index was then obtained to determine a prediction model for cCMV infection. Finally, plots of various parameters over time were evaluated to compare the cCMV and idiopathic groups. Results: < .06 vs idiopathic). The ROC curve demonstrated high specificity (0.94) for cCMV infection if the threshold difference between the two ears was greater than 58.6 dB. Comparisons of plots over time suggest no statistically significant difference between the cCMV and idiopathic groups. Conclusion: cCMV-infected children with isolated SNHL can present differently from the other causes of SNHL. The AUROC analysis suggests that a PTA difference greater than 58.6 dB may provide a prediction model to distinguish cCMV from other types of SNHL.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Impact of COVID-19 on newborn hearing screening (NBHS) and early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) services: A statewide analysis of differences and policy implications

  International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology · 2024-12-06 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Perspectives on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Research: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Pediatric Otolaryngologists

  Cureus · 2024-05-16 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perspectives of pediatric otolaryngologists on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on their research. METHODS: Two surveys were sent to members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) in 2019 and 2021 to assess research perspectives before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surveys contained questions about research engagement, barriers, time allocation, and shifts in research focus. RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped research within pediatric otolaryngology, with a mixed impact on the amount of time allocated to research endeavors. Almost half of respondents reported a change in research focus to COVID-19-related studies. Protected time and funding were significant pre-pandemic barriers, whereas reduced staff, collaboration opportunities, and enrollment limitations emerged as key pandemic-related obstacles. A personal commitment to research was most strongly correlated with time spent on this endeavor. During the pandemic, women were less likely to report an increase in research activity when compared to men, possibly due to a disproportionate burden of caregiving on women during school closures and stay-at-home orders. CONCLUSION: Overall, the pandemic prompted both increases and decreases in research time allocation, depending on individual circumstances and priorities. Despite new challenges, pediatric otolaryngologists remain committed to research and have continued to remain productive.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Outcomes from a Multidisciplinary Otolaryngology and Rheumatology Clinic for the Management of Chronic Sialadenitis

  Otolaryngology · 2024-09-03 · 2 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: Determine the outcomes in children with recurrent sialadenitis after establishment of a multidisciplinary pediatric otolaryngology and rheumatology clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Single-center tertiary medical center. METHODS: We reviewed all children presenting to a multidisciplinary pediatric otolaryngology/rheumatology clinic with recurrent parotitis between December 2019 and April 2023. RESULTS: Thirty-three children presented with recurrent parotitis to a multidisciplinary clinic. Seventy-seven percent of those with childhood Sjögren's disease (cSjD) had xerophthalmia, and 67% had xerostomia. The cSjD group was more likely to have both abnormal parotid and submandibular findings when compared to the non-cSjD group (P < .001). Sixteen percent of the cSjD group had a positive SSA/SSB autoantibody and 47% were antinuclear antibody positive. Fifty percent of the cSjD cohort had a focus score of ≥1 from a minor salivary gland biopsy. There were no significant differences from sialendoscopy outcome between the 2 groups. Seventy percent with juvenile recurrent parotitis showed partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) to sialendoscopy. In the cSjD cohort 3 (27%) reported a CR and 5 (45%) reported a PR. In the non csSjD cohort 5 (42%) reported a CR and 3 (25%) reported a PR. Ten of the 12 cSjD patients on hydroxychloroquine have shown symptom improvement. CONCLUSION: The establishment of a multidisciplinary otolaryngology and rheumatology clinic can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the child with recurrent or persistent parotitis than from a regular ENT clinic.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• A Randomized Trial to Determine the Role of Valganciclovir for Asymptomatic Cytomegalovirus Infected Hearing Impaired Infants

  NIH · $2.6M · 2017–2022

Frequent coauthors

• Matthew A. Firpo

  University of Utah

  32 shared

• Marshall E. Smith

  University of Utah

  17 shared

• Christopher Nielson

  University of Utah

  15 shared

• Harlan R. Muntz

  14 shared

• J. Fredrik Grimmer

  University of Utah

  11 shared

• Pranav Dinesh Mathur

  University of Utah

  11 shared

• Jordan C Stout

  University of Utah

  10 shared

• Peter Kfoury

  Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

  10 shared

Education

• B.A.

  Swarthmore College

• M.D.

  Washington University School of Medicine

• Other, Pediatric Otolaryngology

  Hospital for Sick Children