Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
[Systematic hearing diagnosis in the premature infant. The Magdeburg model]
Insights
Premature infants are at high risk for acquired hearing disorders. Bedside brainstem potential recordings effectively screen for these issues in newborns, identifying those needing early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Neonatal neurology
- Hearing disorder research
Context:
- Acquired hearing disorders affect nearly 50% of children.
- Premature birth is a significant cause of these disorders.
- Early detection through screening is crucial for intervention.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of bedside recording of brainstem potentials for detecting hearing disorders in premature infants.
- To compare auditory brainstem response (ABR) latencies in premature infants of varying birth weights and clinical conditions.
- To identify risk factors associated with hearing impairment in neonates.
Summary:
- A study of 60 infants assessed bedside brainstem potential recordings for hearing disorder screening.
- Premature infants (1500-2000g) showed a 0.7 ms latency increase compared to heavier infants.
- Infants <1500g with hyperbilirubinemia or intracranial bleeding exhibited increased wave V latencies, with 10% having severe hearing disorders.
Impact:
- Bedside brainstem potential recording is a valuable tool for early hearing disorder detection in pediatric settings.
- Identifies high-risk infants requiring specialized audiological training.
- Highlights the importance of neonatal hearing screening programs for premature infants.
Abstract:
Almost 50% of all hearing disorders found in children are acquired. To a large extent these hearing disorders are caused by premature birth and can be detected by suitable screening. Two methods have proved useful for such testing: (1) Reflex audiometry with a standardized stimulus generator; and (2) bedside recording of brainstem potentials. Having tested the method of bedside recording of brainstem potentials we examined a group of 60 infants of varied body weights and otherwise normal findings as a "normal" control group. At all click intensities measured, premature infants weighing from 1500 to 2000 g showed a latency increase by about 0.7 ms when compared to infants weighing in excess of 2000 g. Premature infants showing signs of maturation adequate for gestational age were not at greater risk for hearing disorders. In contrast, premature infants weighing less than 1500 g and having marked hyperbilirubinemia as week as extensive intracranial bleeding always showed increased wave V latencies. Ten percent of these infants had severe hearing disorders requiring special pecaudiological training. Overall findings showed the great usefulness of audiometric screening in a pediatric hospital center for detecting hearing disorders in premature infants.
