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Initial results from the newborn hearing screening programme in Ireland
A O'Connor1, P G O'Sullivan, L Behan
1Department of Otolaryngology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland, aoconnor@rcsi.ie.
Insights
The HSE South neonatal hearing screening program successfully screened over 11,738 babies in its first year. The program identified 15 cases of permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI), with higher prevalence in NICU infants.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Neonatal hearing screening programs are crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
- The Health Service Executive (HSE) South initiated Ireland's national neonatal hearing screening program in April 2011.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of the first 12 months of the HSE South's neonatal hearing screening program.
- To determine the prevalence of permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) in screened neonates.
Main Methods:
- Screened 11,738 neonates within the first year.
- Referred infants with abnormal screening results for diagnostic audiological assessment.
- Monitored infants with risk factors for acquired hearing impairment.
Main Results:
- Screening coverage reached 99.2% of eligible infants, with a 0.2% decline rate.
- 15 cases (1.3/1,000) of PCHI were identified.
- Prevalence of PCHI was significantly higher in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants (7.3/1,000) compared to well-baby populations (0.6/1,000).
Conclusions:
- The neonatal hearing screening program achieved high coverage and identified PCHI cases effectively.
- Risk factors, particularly NICU admission, are associated with a higher prevalence of PCHI.
- Targeted follow-up is essential for detecting acquired hearing impairments.
Introduction:
Hearing screening programmes aim to detect hearing loss in the neonate. The Health Service Executive (HSE) South was the first phase of a national roll-out of a neonatal hearing screening programme in Ireland, going live on 28 April 2011.
Results:
Over 11,738 babies have been screened for permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) during the first 12 months. The percentage of eligible babies offered hearing screening was 99.2 %. Only 0.2 % (n = 25) of those offered screening declined. 493 (4 %) were referred for immediate diagnostic audiological assessment. The average time between screen and diagnostic audiology appointment was 2 weeks. 15 (1.3/1,000) babies have been identified with a PCHI over the 12-month period. 946 (4 %) babies screened were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for >48 h. The prevalance of PCHI is 7.3/1,000 in the NICU population compared to 0.6/1000 in the well baby population. 214 (1.8 % of total babies screened) had a clear response in the screening programmes, but were deemed to be at risk of an acquired childhood hearing impairment. These babies will be reassessed with a diagnostic audiology appointment at 8-9 months of age. To date, there is one case of acquired hearing impairment through this targeted follow-up screen. Of the 15 cases of PCHI identified, 8 (53 %) of these had one or more risk factors for hearing loss and 7 (37 %) were admitted to the NICU for >48 h. Four babies were referred for assessment at the National Cochlear Implant Centre.
