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[Universal newborn hearing screening--a silent revolution]
N Schmuziger1, D Veraguth, R Probst
1HNO-Klinik, Kantonsspital Liestal, Liestal. nicolas.schmuziger@ksli.ch
Insights
Congenital hearing loss affects 1 in 1000 newborns, rising in early childhood. Early detection via universal newborn hearing screening, using otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response, is vital for speech development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Genetics
Context:
- Congenital hearing loss is a frequent condition, present in ~1 in 1000 newborns.
- Hearing impairment often goes undetected in infancy, impacting speech and personality development.
- Delayed auditory stimulation hinders linguistic skill acquisition.
Purpose:
- To review objective audiometric screening tests for early detection of hearing loss in newborns.
- To discuss the efficacy of otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response for screening.
- To examine the application of these screening methods in Switzerland.
Summary:
- Universal newborn hearing screening is crucial for identifying congenital hearing loss.
- Objective tests like otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response are effective screening tools.
- Early detection and intervention are critical to mitigate developmental challenges.
Impact:
- Facilitates timely intervention for children with hearing loss.
- Promotes better speech and language development outcomes.
- Informs public health strategies for newborn hearing screening programs.
Abstract:
Significant hearing loss is one of the most frequent congenital diseases and present at birth in approximately one in 1000 newborns. During the first years of life, this number of children with permanent hearing loss rises by approximately the same amount. Hearing impairment is not an obvious condition in newborns in most cases and produces very few signs in infancy. Such hearing loss threatens normal speech and personality development. The longer the child is without auditory stimulation by speech, the more difficult it is to acquire the missed linguistic skills. Therefore, early detection and rehabilitation of such hearing loss is crucial. Universal newborn hearing screening is the most effective method to detect such impairment and is based on objective audiometric test methods that were recently developed and adapted for screening requirements. Useful tests are otoacoustic emissions and the auditory brainstem response. This article reviews this new screening tests in general and with special regard to the situation in Switzerland.
