[Verification results of objective newborn hearing screening]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Audiology
• Neonatal Health
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• Sufficient hearing is crucial for children's sensory perception, speech, and communication.
• Congenital hearing disorders require early detection through newborn hearing screening.
• Hungary's compulsory objective hearing screening program enhances early diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the verification results of newborn hearing screening from 2018.
• To assess the effectiveness of the audiological verification process for identified newborns.
• To report the types and prevalence of hearing loss in newborns undergoing verification.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive audiological assessments including case history, ENT examination, and specialized tests.
• Diagnostic tools included electric response measurement, impedance tests, otoacoustic emission measurement, and genetic examination.
• Data collected from 261 newborns examined, with 164 undergoing detailed audiological testing.

Main Results:

• Normal hearing was detected in 77% of the 164 newborns tested.
• Hearing loss was verified in 37 patients (23%), with 19 diagnosed with permanent hearing loss (4 unilateral, 15 bilateral).
• Sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed in 17 cases, conductive in 2, and temporary hearing loss (otitis media with effusion) in 18 cases.

Conclusions:

• Hungary's organized neonatal objective hearing examination, established in 2015, enables early diagnosis and care for hearing loss.
• The National Newborn Hearing Screening Registry facilitates a coordinated and efficient process.
• Early intervention through systematic screening and verification is vital for children's development.