Risk Indicators for Hearing Impairment in Neonates
Megha M Panjiyar1,2, Samir K Bhargava1,2, Vinod Gite3
11Otolaryngology, HBT Medical College and Dr. R N Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Insights
This study investigated hearing impairment in high-risk newborns, finding a higher prevalence linked to specific birth risk factors. Early screening is crucial for identifying profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Audiology
- Public health
Background:
- Hearing impairment is a significant concern in newborns.
- Identifying risk factors in high-risk neonates is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between the prevalence of hearing impairment and birth-related risk factors in high-risk neonates.
- To analyze the distribution of hearing impairment across various neonatal risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study was conducted over one year.
- 410 high-risk neonates admitted to the NICU were screened for hearing impairment.
- Skew analysis and Cramer's Moment Coefficient were used to assess the prevalence distribution.
Main Results:
- Five out of 410 screened neonates were diagnosed with profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
- The prevalence of SNHL showed an uneven distribution across risk factors, indicating a higher incidence in high-risk infants.
- A sample skewness value of -0.81 suggested moderate concentration of SNHL cases among neonates with higher risk scores.
Conclusions:
- High-risk neonates exhibit a notable prevalence of hearing impairment.
- Specific birth risk factors are associated with an increased likelihood of profound SNHL.
- The findings underscore the importance of targeted hearing screening in high-risk neonatal populations.
Abstract:
To identify relation between prevalence of hearing impairment and risk factors at the time of birth in high risk neonates. A year-long study is performed at HBT Medical College and Dr. R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Vile Parle (west), Mumbai. The Study comprised of 478 high risk babies born between March 2016 and February 2017 and admitted in NICU of the hospital. Out of these 68 babies were either transferred to higher centre or took discharge against medical advice. A total of 410 babies completed the study. Additional 21 eligible babies died in NICU during the study. A Prospective Observational Study is used to analyse the findings of the study. Skew analysis of spread of prevalence across risk factors is used to establish higher prevalence of hearing impairment in high risk neonates. Cramer's Moment Coefficient of Skewness and Corresponding Test Statistics are used for studying the skewness. Out of 410 babies screened during the study 5 babies were diagnosed with profound SNHL. The risk factors associated with babies is plotted against frequency of babies with Profound SNHL. The plot is found to be un-uniformly distributed and shows inclination towards higher prevalence with high risk babies. Sample skewness (G1) value - 0.81 indicates moderately negative skewed sample. This means the number of babies with profound SNHL found by 3 stage screening is moderately concentrated at high risk weightage.
