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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Hearing screening for high-risk newborns]
Peng-jun Zhao1, Zheng-min Xu, Sheng-hu Wu
1Department of Child Health Care, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200092, China.
Insights
Congenital hearing impairment screening in high-risk newborns is crucial. Regular follow-up testing, ideally around 42 days, improves detection rates for hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal screening
- Auditory health
- Congenital disorders
Context:
- Congenital hearing impairment affects newborns, necessitating early detection.
- High-risk infants require specialized screening protocols.
- Current screening methods have varying detection rates.
Purpose:
- To determine the morbidity of congenital hearing impairment in high-risk newborns.
- To identify pathogenic factors associated with hearing loss in this population.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of otoacoustic emission (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening.
Summary:
- A study screened 208 high-risk newborns using OAE, with 130 undergoing a second OAE and ABR. Initial and second screening positive rates were 34.61% and 7.14%, respectively. Two newborns were diagnosed with hearing impairment, a prevalence of 1.78%.
- Factors like sex, age, and Apgar score influenced initial screening outcomes.
- The optimal time for initial hearing screening is around 42 days postpartum, with continued monitoring for high-risk infants.
Impact:
- Establishes optimal timing for neonatal hearing screening.
- Highlights the need for ongoing surveillance in high-risk infants.
- Recommends establishing dedicated follow-up systems for early detection and management of hearing impairment.
Objective:
To investigate the morbidity of congenital hearing impairment among high-risk newborns and the relevant pathogenic factors.
Methods:
Initial screening of hearing by otoacoustic emission (OAE) was conducted among 208 high-risk newborns, 130 males and 78 females after they were born and the second screening was conducted by OAE was conducted 42 days after those with positive results were examined by auditary brainstem response (ABR).
Results:
All of the 208 newborns received the initial screening with a screening rate of 100%, and 130 newborns received the second screening with a screening rate of 62.5%. The positive rates in the initial screening and second screening were 34.61% and 7.14% respectively. Six newborns were examined by ABR and 2 of them were diagnoses as with hearing impairment with a prevalence rate of 1.78%. The factors, such as sex, age, and Apgar score affected the initial screening results.
Conclusion:
The most proper time for initial hearing screening is around the 42nd day after birth. High-risk newborns should receive regular test even though they pass the initial screening. A special follow-up system should be constructed for the high-risk newborns.
