Related Experiment Videos
[Model project of hearing screening in new-born in Hanover (preliminary results)]
K Buser1, A Bietendüwel, C Krauth
1Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Abteilung Epidemiologie, Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening in Germany significantly advances diagnosis and therapy for congenital hearing disorders. This universal screening program is feasible and effective in improving early detection and care for infants with hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Public Health Screening Programs
- Neonatal Care
Context:
- Congenital hearing disorders in Germany are often diagnosed late, leading to delayed treatment.
- A pre-operative study was commissioned to address the late detection of hearing impairments in newborns.
- Existing healthcare structures were evaluated for the feasibility of implementing a universal screening program.
Purpose:
- To determine if universal newborn hearing screening leads to earlier diagnosis of hearing disorders.
- To assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and economic viability of a newborn hearing screening program.
- To improve medical care for children diagnosed with hearing impairments.
Summary:
- A 6-month pilot study in the Hanover region implemented universal newborn hearing screening using automated otoacoustic emissions testing.
- The screening achieved a 97% coverage rate, identifying 4.7% unilateral and 2.3% bilateral suspected hearing disorders.
- Confirmed cases showed a mean diagnosis age of 3.7 months and therapy onset at 4.4 months, indicating earlier intervention.
Impact:
- Area-wide implementation of hearing screening is feasible within existing healthcare frameworks.
- The screening method successfully advances the timing of diagnosis and therapy onset for hearing-impaired infants.
- Mandatory systematic training, quality assurance, and case tracking are crucial for program success.
Abstract:
In Germany, congenital hearing disorders are usually detected too late resulting in insufficient therapy of the disorder. To investigate these problems, the Federal Ministry of Health and the principal associations of statutory health insurance commissioned a pre-operative study. The study's aim is to verify whether introduction of a universal new-born hearing screening results in earlier diagnosis of hearing disorders and thus improves medical care for children with impaired hearing. Feasibility, effectiveness and economic tenability of this hearing screening programme will be investigated. The study is realised in the Hanover region and aims at carrying out a hearing test in all new-born during the first days of life. The tests will be performed in all 10 birth clinics and 2 paediatric clinics in the relevant region and in 24 otolaryngological practices. Hearing ability is controlled via an automated screening device measuring otoacoustic emissions. Sensitivity and specificity of the test is more than 95%. Economical feasibility is investigated by cost-effectiveness analyses. During a 6-month period the screening has been implemented in all clinics in every day routine. The mean coverage rate in the clinics has been stabilised to 97% of the total number. 4.7% of the children were presumed to suffer from unilateral hearing disorders and 2.3% from bilateral. In 13 cases the diagnosis of hearing disorder was confirmed. The mean age of diagnosis in these children was 3.7 months. The average age of therapy onset was 4.4 months. According to the present experience, area-wide implementation of hearing screening seems feasible in existing health care structures. The intention to advance the time of diagnosis and the therapy onset can be achieved by this method. Systematic training, introduction and quality assurance measures of screening are mandatory. Tracking of suspicious cases is necessary, even if it challenges data privacy regulations.