Clinical characteristics of infants identified with a conductive hearing loss through universal newborn hearing
Alison Collins1, Rachael Beswick2, Carlie Driscoll3
1Hearing Research Unit for Children, Division of Audiology, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia; Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Child and Youth Community Health Service, 10 Chapel Street, Nundah, Queensland, 4012, Australia.
Insights
Conductive hearing loss (CHL) affects 12.32% of infants screened via Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS). Bilateral referrals, risk factors, preterm birth, male sex, and Indigenous status predict CHL risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) identifies permanent hearing loss in infants.
- Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is common in newborns and can lead to developmental delays.
- Early identification of CHL is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of CHL in infants undergoing UNHS.
- To identify clinical characteristics at birth that predict CHL.
- To inform targeted screening and intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 731,234 infants screened between 2007 and 2018.
- Statistical analysis including chi-squared and logistic regression.
- Identification of predictive clinical factors for CHL.
Main Results:
- CHL prevalence was 12.32% among screened infants.
- Predictive factors for CHL included bilateral referrals, hearing loss risk factors, preterm birth, male sex, and Indigenous status.
- Specific odds ratios were calculated for each predictive factor.
Conclusions:
- CHL is highly prevalent in the UNHS population.
- Six clinical characteristics effectively predict CHL risk.
- This data can guide the development of targeted care pathways for infants with CHL to mitigate developmental risks.
Background:
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) aims to identify infants born with a permanent hearing loss. However, many are also diagnosed with a conductive hearing loss (CHL) and are at subsequent risk for developmental delays. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CHL and determine which clinical characteristics collected at birth, predict CHL within UNHS.
Materials And Methods:
Retrospective analysis was conducted on all infants born between January 01, 2007 and December 31, 2018. During this period, 731,234 infants were screened, 9802 were direct referrals, and 1208 identified with a CHL. Chi squared analysis and logistic regression was conducted to determine CHL prevalence and identify which clinical characteristics predict CHL.
Results:
The prevalence of CHL was 12.32%. Following adjustments for collinearity, clinical characteristics that could predict CHL were: bilateral referrals/medical exclusions to screen (Odds ratio, OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.65-2.1), ≥1 risk factor for hearing loss (OR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.76-2.34), pre-term birth (OR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.57-2.10), male (OR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.07-1.37), and Indigenous status: 'Aboriginal (not Torres Strait Islander)' (OR 1.27; 95% CI:1.03-1.57 and 'not stated' (OR 2.95; 95% CI: 2.02-4.30).
Conclusion:
CHL within UNHS was highly prevalent, with six clinical characteristics that can predict that likelihood of an infant being diagnosed with a CHL. This data could be used to create alternative care pathways for infants with CHL, enabling early and targeted assessments, thereby reducing the risk of developmental delays for these infants.
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