Screening Programs for Hearing Assessment in Newborns and Children
Zafar Mahmood1, Muhammad Razzaq Dogar2, Abdul Waheed3
1Otolaryngology, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Darul Sehat Hospital, Karachi, PAK.
Cureus
|December 4, 2020
Summary
Newborn hearing loss screening using otoacoustic emission (OAE) and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is crucial for early detection. Implementing these programs in Pakistan can help identify and manage hearing impairment in infants effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Neonatal Screening
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Auditory Brainstem Response
Background:
- Hearing loss is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Early detection and intervention are critical for speech and language development.
- Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) and Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) are objective measures for assessing infant hearing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of hearing loss in children using OAE and BERA.
- To identify potential etiological factors contributing to pediatric hearing loss.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of OAE and BERA screening in a Pakistani population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study of 108 newborns and children was conducted.
- Initial screening utilized Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and/or Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR).
- Children with suspected hearing loss underwent diagnostic Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) for confirmation.
Main Results:
- Out of 108 cases, 12 showed hearing loss on OAE screening.
- Further BERA testing confirmed hearing loss in 7 out of these 12 cases.
- Of the 7 with confirmed hearing loss, 5 had cochlear deafness and 2 had retrocochlear deafness.
Conclusions:
- OAE hearing screening and diagnostic BERA are effective in identifying pediatric hearing loss.
- Implementing widespread screening programs in Pakistan is recommended for early detection.
- Early assessment of newborn hearing is vital to prevent long-term auditory problems.
