Current assessment of newborn hearing screening protocols
Rosario R Ricalde1, Charlotte M Chiong, Patrick John P Labra
1Section of Otology, Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Philippine General Hospital, Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, The Ear Unit, 2nd Floor, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines.
Summary
Newborn hearing screening protocols are assessed globally, highlighting the need for trained screeners and efficient databases. Addressing follow-up issues is crucial for early detection and intervention in infants with hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal hearing screening is critical for early identification of hearing loss.
- Global variations exist in screening protocols, technologies, and follow-up procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current newborn hearing screening protocols worldwide.
- To analyze technologies, protocol steps, screener training, and follow-up rates.
- To review recent program reports from various countries.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of reported newborn hearing screening protocols.
- Analysis of technologies such as automated auditory brainstem response.
- Examination of program data focusing on screening steps and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Community-based programs and staged screening procedures are increasingly adopted.
- Automated auditory brainstem response shows promise with low refer rates.
- Challenges persist in patient follow-up, emphasizing the need for trained personnel and databases.
Conclusions:
- Diverse protocols and technologies should guide, not confuse, stakeholders.
- Standardized benchmarks are essential for effective newborn hearing programs.
- Optimizing protocols can help hard-of-hearing children reach their full potential.
