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Neonatal hearing screening in Albania: results from an ongoing universal screening program
Stavros Hatzopoulos1, Birkena Qirjazi, Alessandro Martini
1Audiology Department, University of Ferrara, Italy. sdh1@unife.it
International Journal of Audiology
|April 25, 2007
Summary
This study evaluated a neonatal hearing screening program in Albania, finding it can detect congenital hearing loss. Improving data collection on risk factors is key to estimating hearing loss incidence in the Albanian population.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Neonatal hearing loss is a significant concern requiring early detection.
- Albania lacks established universal neonatal hearing screening programs.
- Identifying risk factors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of implementing a universal neonatal hearing screening program in Albania.
- To determine the prevalence of hearing loss risk factors within the Albanian NICU population.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) for screening.
Main Methods:
- Screened 1561 infants from well-baby (WB) and NICU settings using TEOAE.
- Collected detailed histories of potential hearing loss risk factors for each infant.
- Analyzed screening data to identify factors influencing program outcomes.
Main Results:
- The screening program demonstrated the capacity to identify infants with congenital hearing loss.
- A high prevalence of risk factors was observed in the NICU population.
- Effective program delivery, including an informative component, is essential for success.
Conclusions:
- A well-structured neonatal hearing screening program is feasible and effective in Albania.
- Reducing 'case leakage' is necessary for accurate estimation of hearing loss incidence.
- Further refinement of the program can improve identification rates and public health outcomes.
