Neonatal hearing screening model: an Italian regional experience

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Congenital hearing impairment affects a significant number of newborns.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial for optimal developmental outcomes.
• Existing hearing screening programs may lack comprehensive integration of diagnostic and rehabilitative services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a model for routine, centralized hearing screening for all newborns in a region.
• To integrate all aspects of hearing screening, from initial diagnosis to psychological support and early rehabilitation.
• To assess the feasibility and resource requirements for implementing such a model.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted in the Liguria region of Italy.
• A four-phase model was designed, encompassing administrative, screening, therapeutic, and epidemiological aspects.
• A pilot study was performed on infants born in selected regional birth centers to test feasibility and workload.

Main Results:

• During the pilot, 99.1% of 3268 newborns were screened using otoacoustic emissions (OAE).
• OAE showed a 'pass' in 98.2% and 'refer' in 1.8% of infants.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing was conducted on high-risk infants and those who 'referred' OAE, with 45 positive or uncertain results.

Conclusions:

• The pilot study results supported the feasibility of the proposed hearing screening model.
• The model offers a framework for regional organizations to enhance care quality through rationalization and optimization.
• This approach facilitates improved diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation for congenital hearing impairment.