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Neonatal screening for hearing impairment--The Oman experience
Rajiv Khandekar1, Mazin Khabori, Ali Jaffer Mohammed
1Eye & Ear Health Care, NCD, DGHA, Ministry of Health, MOH (HQ), POB 393, Pin 113, Muscat, Oman. rajshpp@omantel.net.om
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|October 15, 2005
Summary
Oman’s universal newborn hearing screening program, initiated in 2002, identified 1.2% of infants with hearing impairment. Challenges included regional variations and follow-up, highlighting the need for planning and rehabilitation services.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Oman implemented national universal hearing screening in 2002.
- The program aimed to detect hearing impairments in newborns early.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of Oman's universal newborn hearing screening program.
- To estimate the rates of hearing impairment, false positives, yield, and cost.
Main Methods:
- A three-phase screening process involving transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR).
- Involved health staff, otologists, and audiometrists.
- Data collected on screening coverage, suspected cases, confirmed hearing impairment, and costs.
Main Results:
- Screening coverage reached 66.6% with significant regional disparities.
- A hearing impairment yield of 1.2% (1.2/1000) was detected.
- Identified various causes of hearing loss, including sensory-neural loss, otitis media with effusion, and atresia of the middle ear.
Conclusions:
- The universal hearing screening program in Oman proved beneficial but faced initial challenges.
- Effective planning, staff training, parental advocacy, and equipment maintenance are crucial.
- Screening must be complemented by robust follow-up and rehabilitation services for affected children.