Spontaneous improvement in sensorineural hearing loss developed as a complication of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Icterus neonatorum, or neonatal jaundice, is defined as a total serum bilirubin level above 5mg/dl. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus are known to be the two major complications associated with it, resulting in neurotoxic effects, including sensorineural hearing loss, hypotonia, delayed motor skills and intellectual deficits. We report two similar cases of neonatal jaundice requiring exchange transfusion that subsequently developed sensorineural hearing loss. Follow-up at the end of 1year revealed spontaneous recovery of hearing with normal speech. This report aims at increasing awareness of this condition among physicians to allow early detection of risk factors and prompt management and follow-up.