Universal newborn hearing screening: methods and results, obstacles, and benefits
Katarzyna E Wroblewska-Seniuk1, Piotr Dabrowski2, Witold Szyfter2
1Department of Newborns' Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Pediatric Research
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Newborn hearing screening detects hearing loss early, improving speech and cognitive development. Universal screening is recommended over risk-factor-based approaches for better infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss affects 1-3/1000 neonates and 2-4/100 high-risk infants.
- Untreated hearing impairment can lead to speech, psychological, and mental disorders.
- Early identification and intervention within 6 months are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Observation:
- Newborn hearing screening programs have evolved significantly over two decades.
- Risk-factor-based screening identified only 50-75% of infants with hearing loss.
- Universal hearing screening is now recommended for all infants.
Findings:
- Automated auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions are primary noninvasive screening techniques.
- These methods provide reliable physiologic auditory activity recordings in neonates.
- The review examines objectives, benefits, and results of newborn hearing screening programs.
Implications:
- Universal newborn hearing screening enables early detection and timely intervention.
- Improved screening programs enhance developmental trajectories for infants with hearing loss.
- The review discusses universal versus selective screening and future program developments.
