Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
19:32
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
28.5K
Sensorineural hearing impairment among preterm children: a Norwegian population-based study
Dagny Hemmingsen1,2, Dag Moster3, Bo Lars Engdahl4
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway dagny.e.hemmingsen@uit.no.
Summary
Preterm birth significantly increases the risk of sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI). Complications and treatments further elevate this risk, especially in extremely preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) is a significant concern in preterm infants.
- Understanding the attributable risk factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of SNHI in preterm infants.
- To determine the extent to which perinatal morbidities and therapies contribute to SNHI risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study utilizing Norwegian nationwide registries (1999-2014 birth cohort, SNHI data until 2019).
- Included 60,023 preterm infants (categorized by gestational age: moderate-late, very, extremely preterm) and 869,797 term-born controls.
- SNHI defined by ICD-10 codes, with a minimum 5-year observation period post-birth.
Main Results:
- Overall SNHI prevalence was 1.4% in preterm infants versus 0.7% in term infants.
- Adjusted risk ratios for SNHI were 1.7 (moderate-late), 3.3 (very preterm), and 7.6 (extremely preterm).
- Risk increased with lower gestational age, with mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, and intracranial hemorrhage exacerbating risk in specific groups. No delayed SNHI was observed.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth is an independent risk factor for SNHI.
- Invasive therapies and comorbidities significantly increase SNHI risk, particularly in infants born before 28 weeks gestation.
