[Neonatal hearing loss screening using otoacoustic emission with Echocheck]

Few studies have been published on neonatal hearing loss screening using the Echocheck system (a new and easy method for detecting otoacoustic emissions). The aim of this study was to demonstrate how, in combination with auditory evoked potentials, this system can be used with satisfactory results for universal screening of all live births.

Otoacoustic emissions in the 1,000 infants born in our hospital during a 10-months period were checked by Echocheck. According to a preestablished protocol, neonates who failed the first screening test were sent for diagnosis by auditory brainstem responses.

Coverage of the test was 99.3%. In 25% of the patients the test was repeated. Deafness was found in eight infants (only in two infants at high risk). The results obtained with this new method were compared with published results for the ILO systems.

Echocheck provides more data than the standard recommended for neonatal hearing loss screening which, together with the results obtained in previous studies, suggests that Echocheck can be used like other systems for neonatal screening programmes. Since it is easy to use and cheaper than screening programmes, this system facilitates universal screening.