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Auditory screening in infants for early detection of permanent hearing loss in northern iran
M Haghshenas1, Py Zadeh1, Y Javadian2
1Department of Pediatrics, Non-Communicable Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening in Babol identified a hearing loss incidence of 1.8 per 1,000. Early detection through otoacoustic emission (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests is crucial for preventing developmental delays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Undiagnosed hearing loss in newborns can lead to speech, language, and socio-emotional developmental disorders.
- Early identification and intervention are critical for mitigating the long-term effects of hearing impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a hearing screening for all newborns in Babol city between 2009 and 2011.
- To determine the incidence of hearing loss in the screened newborn population.
Main Methods:
- A total of 15,165 newborns were screened using the otoacoustic emission (OAE) test at 15 days of age.
- Infants referred from the initial screening underwent auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.
- Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data.
Main Results:
- The initial screening referred 10.8% of newborns for further evaluation.
- Follow-up losses were observed at 9.4% and 14.1% in subsequent stages.
- The final diagnosis revealed a hearing loss incidence of 1.8 per 1,000 newborns.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant prevalence of hearing loss among newborns in Babol.
- Implementation of a universal newborn hearing screening program is strongly recommended.
- Early detection and intervention are essential for optimal child development.
Background:
Undiagnosed hearing loss can cause disorders in speech and language and delay in social and emotional development.
Aim:
This study aimed to screen for hearing loss in all newborns born in Babol city during 2009-2011.
Subjects And Methods:
Fifteen thousand one hundred and sixty-five newborns (49% [7430/15165] male and 51% [7735/15165] female) born during a 30-month period in Babol, underwent hearing screening by the otoacoustic emission (OAE) test at the age of 15 days. In infants referred at this stage, an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was the next investigation. Data analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software Version 16 (Chicago, IL, USA, 16) through descriptive statistic method.
Results:
In the first screening stage, 10.8% (1648/15165) cases were referred to the second stage for further investigation. 9.4% (154/1648) were lost to follow-up from among the referred cases despite continuous contact and education about the importance of the problem. Among the participants in the second stage, 6.2% (92/1494) were referred to the third stage and underwent ABR and OAE testing. 14.1% (13/92) were lost at this stage. Of the remaining participants, 34.2% (27/79) were diagnosed with a hearing loss. Therefore, the incidence of hearing loss in this study was 1.8/1,000 newborns.
Conclusion:
Given the prevalence of hearing loss in this study, implementation of a universal newborn hearing screening program is recommended.
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