Newborn hearing screening protocols and their outcomes: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Public Health
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
• Objective measures are essential components of effective screening protocols.
• Variations in protocols and measures impact screening accuracy and outcomes worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on objective measures in newborn hearing screening protocols.
• To analyze the types, frequency, and outcomes of measures used globally.
• To identify best practices and areas for improvement in NHS protocols.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for relevant articles.
• Qualitatively analyzed data from 15 selected studies on screening protocols and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant lack of uniformity in newborn hearing screening protocols across countries.
• Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) are the most common measures.
• Distinguishing otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are less frequently used than TEOAEs.
• The routine inclusion of AABR in NHS protocols requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) inclusion in NHS programs can enhance screening effectiveness.
• A test-battery approach combining AABR with otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) is appropriate.
• Further systematic research is needed on AABR's role in facilitating diagnostic referrals.