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Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) in Neonates with Hyperbillirubinemia
Annanya Soni1, Surendra Kumar Kanaujia2, Sandeep Kaushik2
1Department of ENT, GSVM Medical College, Room No 100, PG Girls Hostel, Kanpur, India.
Summary
Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) detected auditory changes in 33.3% of neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. These BERA changes correlated significantly with bilirubin levels, indicating potential early bilirubin toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Audiology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is common in neonates and can potentially cause auditory neurotoxicity.
- Early detection of auditory pathway dysfunction is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) changes in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- To compare BERA alterations before and after therapeutic intervention for hyperbilirubinemia.
- To establish the correlation between bilirubin levels and BERA abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 30 term neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and 30 healthy controls.
- BERA testing was performed at hospitalization, discharge, and 3-month follow-up.
- Auditory function was assessed using an intelligent hearing system (version 3.3).
Main Results:
- BERA changes, including absent waveforms, elevated thresholds, and prolonged latencies, were observed in 33.3% of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
- A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.005) was found between elevated bilirubin levels and BERA alterations.
- The study identified BERA as a sensitive tool for detecting early auditory effects of bilirubin toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can lead to significant BERA changes in neonates.
- BERA is a valuable non-invasive tool for monitoring auditory function and detecting early signs of bilirubin-induced auditory neuropathy.
- Therapeutic intervention for hyperbilirubinemia may help mitigate auditory pathway damage.
