Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Hospital...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Audiology
• Public health

Background:

• Congenital hearing loss is a common neonatal disability.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are critical settings for identifying at-risk infants.
• Early detection of hearing loss is crucial for developmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of hearing loss in NICU neonates.
• To identify significant risk factors associated with neonatal hearing loss.
• To advocate for universal hearing screening programs in NICUs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 530 neonates in NICU Abuzar Hospital.
• Hearing screening using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR).
• Diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR) and auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) for abnormal screenings.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 5.09% hearing loss was observed among 530 neonates.
• Significant risk factors identified: ototoxic drugs, hyperbilirubinemia, asphyxia, low birth weight, low Apgar score, and parental consanguinity.
• Multiple risk factors contribute to neonatal hearing impairment.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence necessitates universal hearing screening for all NICU admissions.
• Implementing comprehensive neonatal hearing screening is essential for early detection and intervention.
• Timely intervention can mitigate the long-term effects of hearing loss.