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[The model project "newborn auditory screening" in the Upper Palatinate: high process and result quality of an
U Nennstiel-Ratzel1, S Arenz, R von Kries
1Screeningzentrum, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, Oberschleissheim. uta.nennstiel@lgl.bayern.de
Insights
A newborn hearing screening program in Upper Palatinate successfully identified 15 children with profound bilateral hearing impairment. Effective screening and follow-up structures ensured high participation and diagnosis rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Audiology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- A newborn auditory screening program was established in the Upper Palatinate in May 2003.
- This initiative aimed to improve early detection of hearing loss in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive newborn auditory screening program.
- To assess the impact of a dedicated screening center on diagnosis rates and quality.
Main Methods:
- Sequential otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and brainstem electrical response audiometry (BERA) screening were performed.
- A central Screening Center coordinated the process, managed follow-up, and ensured screening quality.
Main Results:
- 96% of 17,469 newborns were screened, with a 1.6% referral rate at discharge.
- Definitive diagnosis for hearing loss was achieved in 97% of positive cases, often requiring Screening Center intervention.
- Fifteen children with profound bilateral hearing impairment were identified, eight of whom were detected solely through intervention.
Conclusions:
- The established screening structures in Upper Palatinate demonstrate a high standard for neonatal auditory screening.
- The findings suggest that a coordinated approach with active follow-up is crucial for effective hearing loss detection.
Background:
In May 2003, a newborn auditory screening program was initiated in the Upper Palatinate.
Methods:
Sequential OAE- and BERA-screening was conducted in all hospitals with obstetric facilities. The Screening Center at the Public Health Authority was responsible for the coordination of the screening process, completeness of participation, the follow-up of all subjects with a positive screening test and the quality of instrumental screening.
Results:
A total of 96% of 17,469 newborns were screened. The referral rate at discharge was 1.6% (0.4% for bilateral positive findings). For 97% of the positive screening results, a definite diagnosis to confirm or exclude hearing loss was achieved; for 43% only after intervention by the Screening Center. Fifteen children with profound bilateral hearing impairment were identified of whom eight were only detected by the intervention of the Screening Center.
Conclusion:
The effective structures established in the Upper Palatinate provide a standard for the quality of neonatal auditory screening achievable in Germany.
