[Universal neonatal hearing screening--attitude and fears of mothers]

Maternal anxiety in the event of a false positive result is an argument against universal hearing screening in newborns. The aim of this study was to investigate the mothers' attitudes towards neonatal hearing screening and their anxiety in case of a positive result. The study comprises 75 mothers. Using a standardized interview 40 mothers were questioned, 38 of whom already knew about this type of health check. Despite the possibility of a false positive result 33 mothers consented to the general newborn hearing screening. The positive attitude towards screening was associated with knowledge about the test and presence during its performance. Of 20 additional mothers who were interviewed about their anxiety following a positive result their baby had received on the first test, only 2 declared to be very worried. Of 15 additional mothers whose babies had failed the screening, 4 mothers were worried, 2 of whom stated that they had not been well enough informed about the screening. Both scepticism towards neonatal hearing screening and anxiety following a positive result were associated with lack of information and absence during testing.