Our newborn hearing screening results
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Neonatal hearing screening identified 0.7% of infants with suspected hearing loss, with 0.07% having permanent loss. Early detection and intervention within six months are crucial for newborns, especially those with identified risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Audiology
- Public health
Background:
- Hearing loss is a common congenital disorder.
- Early detection is critical for infant development.
- Risk factors can increase the likelihood of hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neonatal hearing screening results.
- To identify risk factors for hearing loss.
- To raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public.
Main Methods:
- Screened 16,388 newborns using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs).
- Investigated risk factors associated with hearing loss.
- Utilized auditory brainstem response (ABR) for further assessment.
Main Results:
- 116 newborns (0.7%) had suspected hearing loss.
- 12 newborns (0.07%) were diagnosed with permanent hearing loss.
- Identified risk factors included intensive care, phototherapy, consanguinity, low birth weight, and fever.
Conclusions:
- Universal neonatal hearing screening is essential for early detection.
- Prompt intervention (within 6 months) and rehabilitation are vital.
- Awareness of risk factors can guide targeted screening and support.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of neonatal hearing screening in our hospital with the help of literature and to question and reveal the risk factors to gain healthy individuals and to raise awareness for all health workers and the public who are interested in this subject.
Methods:
A total of 16,388 newborn infants were evaluated between October 2009 and January 2018. All newborns were screened with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) test. Risk factors were investigated. The test repetition and auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were performed on newborns who could not pass the TEOAE test and the newborns in the risky group after 15 days.
Results:
A total of 116 newborns (0.7%) were suspected to have hearing loss. Twenty-seven newborns (0.16%) were found to be in intensive care unit. Twelve newborns (0.07%) had permanent hearing loss. Then, in order: 9 newborns (0.05%) had received phototherapy and 7 newborns (0.04%) were born to consanguineous marriages. In addition, 3 newborns (0.02%) had a low birth weight and 1 newborn (0.006%) had a history of fever.
Conclusion:
Screening tests should be performed in all newborns for early detection of hearing loss. Even though frequency of hearing loss is higher in newborns with risk factors, the treatment should be started within 6 months, the latest, and newborns should be referred for rehabilitation and training.
