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Published on: June 8, 2017
Hearing loss in neonates and infants
Goun Choe1, Su-Kyoung Park2, Bong Jik Kim1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Sejong, Korea.
Insights
Early detection and management of hearing loss in newborns and infants are vital for language development. Advances in screening, cochlear implants, and gene therapy offer promising future treatments for congenital hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in newborns, affecting 1.5 per 1,000 live births.
- Genetic factors account for up to 80% of cases, with congenital cytomegalovirus being a key environmental cause.
- Untreated hearing loss significantly impacts infant development and incurs socioeconomic burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical importance of early hearing detection and intervention in neonates and infants.
- To review current and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for congenital hearing loss.
- To emphasize the role of advanced technologies in managing hearing impairments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized automated auditory brainstem response and automated otoacoustic emission for newborn hearing screening.
- Reviewed current auditory rehabilitation technologies, including advanced cochlear implantation.
- Examined the progress in genetic diagnostic technologies and potential gene therapies.
Main Results:
- Newborn hearing screening programs facilitate early detection and management of hearing loss.
- Modern cochlear implantation effectively treats a wide range of hearing loss severities.
- Genetic diagnostics and gene therapy represent promising future avenues for treatment.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for optimal language and communication development in infants with hearing loss.
- Technological advancements in diagnostics and treatment, particularly gene therapy, offer hope for improved outcomes.
- A multidisciplinary approach combining screening, rehabilitation, and genetic insights is essential for managing congenital hearing loss.
Abstract:
Hearing in neonates and infants is crucial for their development of language and communication skills. Unless hearing loss is appropriately managed early, it can cause a significant socioeconomic burden considering its detrimental impact on the child's development and its common nature. It is also the most common congenital sensory deficit, with an approximate incidence of 1.5 per 1,000 newborns. Its etiologies are heterogeneous: genetic causes are reportedly involved in up to 80% of cases, while congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the leading environmental factor contributing to congenital hearing loss. The introduction of newborn hearing screening using automated auditory brainstem response and/or automated otoacoustic emission in many developed countries has helped detect and manage hearing loss early. Current auditory rehabilitation options such as cochlear implantation implementing cutting-edge technologies can treat almost all degrees of hearing loss, emphasizing the importance of early hearing detection and intervention. Rapidly developing genetic diagnostic technologies and future cutting-edge treatment options, including gene therapy, will shed light on the future management of hearing loss in neonates and infants.
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