Role of Newborn Hearing Screening Done Over One Year in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study
Anand Kumar G1, Santosh Kumar Kamalakannan1, Asha A1
1Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is vital for early detection of hearing loss in high-risk neonates. Systematic implementation in tertiary hospitals ensures timely intervention and prevents developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Audiology
- Public health
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is crucial for early intervention to prevent developmental issues from undetected hearing loss.
- Implementation of NHS protocols varies, particularly in tertiary care settings for high-risk neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness and implementation of NHS protocols in tertiary care hospitals.
- To assess the role of NHS in identifying hearing impairments in high-risk neonates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,398 newborns screened using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR).
- Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) was used for neonates who failed initial screenings.
- Data collected included demographics, screening results, and follow-up compliance.
Main Results:
- 29.7% of neonates were referred after initial screening.
- High follow-up compliance was observed, with BERA detecting significant hearing impairments.
- Two high-risk neonates (0.1%) were diagnosed with bilateral severe hearing loss; demographic factors were also noted.
Conclusions:
- NHS is essential for early detection and management of hearing loss, preventing negative developmental impacts.
- Systematic implementation of NHS in tertiary care hospitals is advocated for optimal outcomes in high-risk neonates.
Background:
Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is universally acknowledged as a critical early intervention to prevent adverse developmental outcomes caused by undetected hearing loss. Despite its proven benefits, the implementation of NHS varies, especially in tertiary care hospitals that manage high-risk neonates. This study investigates the effectiveness and implementation of NHS protocols in these settings.
Methodology:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. All newborns delivered between January 2023 and December 2023 were included. Screening involved initial otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) tests, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) followed by brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) for those who failed. Data on demographic characteristics, screening results, and follow-up compliance were collected and analyzed.
Results:
A total of 1,398 neonates were screened. Initial screening resulted in 416 (29.7%) referrals. Follow-up screenings showed high compliance rates, with significant detections of hearing impairments through BERA. The screening was completed for 1,341 babies. Fifty-five babies were lost to follow-up. Of these, 2 babies (0.1%) with a high risk for hearing loss were diagnosed with bilateral severe hearing loss. The study also noted demographic factors such as kinship and obstetric history that might influence hearing loss risks.
Conclusions:
NHS plays a vital role in the early detection and management of hearing impairments, which is crucial for preventing negative impacts on a child's development. This study advocates for the systematic implementation of NHS protocols in all tertiary care hospitals, especially those serving high-risk neonates, to ensure optimal developmental outcomes.
