Related Experiment Videos
A hospital based universal neonatal hearing screening programme using click-evoked otoacoustic emissions
P Sergi1, G Pastorino, P Ravazzani
1Neurophysiopathology Unit, ICP, Milan, Italy
Scandinavian Audiology. Supplementum
|April 25, 2001
Summary
The Milan Programme identified hearing loss in neonates through universal screening. Early detection is crucial, especially for newborns at higher risk, enabling timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Audiology
- Public health
Background:
- A hospital-based universal hearing screening program, the Milan Programme, has been active since 1997.
- The program focuses on the early identification of hearing loss in newborns at the Mangiagalli Clinic in Milan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a universal neonatal hearing screening program.
- To identify the prevalence of hearing loss in different neonatal populations.
Main Methods:
- Screening was conducted on 5650 well babies, 749 newborns from the Neonatal Pathology Unit (NPU) without hearing risk, and 118 newborns at risk for hearing loss.
- Data was collected on the incidence of unilateral and bilateral hearing loss.
Main Results:
- Three cases of hearing loss (one profound bilateral, two unilateral) were identified in the well-baby population.
- Three additional cases were found in the NPU newborns without risk.
- 16 cases of bilateral and 11 cases of unilateral hearing loss were identified among newborns at risk.
Conclusions:
- Universal neonatal hearing screening is effective in identifying hearing loss early.
- Newborns identified as being at risk for hearing loss showed a higher prevalence of the condition.
- The Milan Programme demonstrates the value of systematic screening for early intervention.