Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
[Analysis of factors affecting the abnormal otoacoustic emissions in infants]
Sebastian Kocoń1, Maciej Wiatr, Paweł Stręk
1Katedra i Klinika Otolaryngologii CMUJ, Kierownik: Prof. dr hab. Jacek Składzień, Kraków, Poland.
Insights
Otoacoustic emissions screening identifies hearing impairment in newborns. Prematurity, low birth weight, and ototoxic medication use are key risk factors for hearing loss in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal audiology
- Pediatric hearing screening
- Otoacoustic emissions testing
Context:
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are standard for newborn hearing evaluations.
- Abnormal OAE results necessitate further diagnostics to identify and treat hearing impairment.
- This study investigates factors contributing to hearing loss in children treated in audiology outpatient clinics.
Purpose:
- To analyze factors associated with hearing impairment in children evaluated in an audiology outpatient setting.
- To identify common risk factors for hearing loss in infants and young children.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 168 children diagnosed within their first year of life was conducted.
- Children were categorized based on otoacoustic emissions results (unilateral/bilateral absence) and presence of risk factors.
- Key findings indicate immaturity, low birth weight, intensive care, and maternal ototoxic medication use as significant contributors to hearing disturbances.
Impact:
- Highlights critical risk factors for hearing impairment in newborns and infants.
- Informs clinical practice regarding early identification and management of pediatric hearing loss.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering maternal health and neonatal intensive care history in audiological assessments.
Introduction:
Otoacoustic emissions are routine diagnostics in hearing examination of newborns. Lack of right responses in DPOAE is an indication to father diagnostic procedures to know the reason and institute treatment.
Aim:
The aim of this paper is analysis of hearing impairment factors in children which are treated in the audiological out-patients ward.
Material And Methods:
We analyzed retrospectively 168 consecutive children in which diagnostic of hearing apparatus was perform in the first year of life. Children were divided into three groups: with bilateral lack of otoacoustic emissions in newborn ward, with unilateral lack of otoacoustic emissions in newborn ward and with right responses in otoacoustic emissions but with presence of risk factors of hearing impairment in history.
Results:
In 36 cases results of screening otoacoustic emissions was wrong. Unilateral disturbance of this examination was observed in 24 cases and bilateral in 12 cases. 132 children have right responses in otoacoustic emissions but risk factors of hearing impairment were present.
Conclusions:
1. Immaturity, low birthweight and therapy in intensive care ward are important reasons of disturbance in otoacoustic emissions. 2. Administration of ototoxic medications in pregnancy is the most common risk factor of hearing impairment in children.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...