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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.
Insights
A targeted surveillance program effectively identifies permanent postnatal hearing loss in newborns who initially pass newborn hearing screening but have risk factors. This system aids in early detection and intervention for hearing disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Postnatal hearing loss affects children, necessitating early identification.
- Newborn hearing screening identifies many cases, but some develop hearing loss later.
- Risk factors increase the likelihood of postnatal hearing impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a targeted surveillance program in Italy.
- To identify children with postnatal hearing loss.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of audiological surveillance for high-risk newborns.
Main Methods:
- Children with a 'pass' newborn hearing screening result and at least one risk factor were enrolled between 2013 and 2016.
- Targeted audiological surveillance was implemented for these high-risk infants.
- Hospital records were reviewed to identify cases of permanent hearing loss.
Main Results:
- 66 children were identified with permanent hearing loss.
- Common risk factors included family history (35%), prematurity (25.5%), and low birthweight (19.2%).
- Other significant risk factors were severe hyperbilirubinemia (19%), prolonged ventilation (15%), and congenital infection (12.5%).
Conclusions:
- Audiological surveillance is effective for identifying permanent hearing disorders in newborns who pass initial screening but have risk factors.
- This targeted approach enhances the detection of postnatal hearing loss.
- Early identification through surveillance programs is crucial for managing hearing impairments.
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.
