Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Targeted Audiological Surveillance Program in Campania, Italy
Rita Malesci1, Ernesto Burattini2, Annamaria Franze2
1Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. Correspondence to: Dr. Rita Malesci, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Studies of Naples 'Federico II', Via Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy. ritamalesci@libero.it.
Objective:
To identify children with postnatal hearing loss, a structured monitoring system is needed. The goal of this study was to describe a targeted surveillance program in Italy to identify children with postnatal hearing loss.
Methods:
Between January, 2013, and December, 2016, all children who received bilateral 'pass' result at the newborn hearing screening, and who were identified as having at least one risk factor, were referred for targeted surveillance. The hospital records of these children were retrieved.
Results:
Among children enrolled, 66 were identified with permanent hearing loss. The most frequent risk factors were family history (35%), prematurity (25.5%), low birthweight (19.2%), severe hyperbilirubinemia (19%), prolonged ventilation (15%) and congenital infection (12.5%).
Conclusions:
An audiological surveillance program in newborns who 'pass' in neonatal screening, but have risk factors, is effective in identifying permanent postnatal hearing disorders.
