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Maternal and Neonatal Vulnerabilities Associated with Abnormal Outcomes in Newborn Hearing Screening: A Focus on
Mirela Mătăsaru1,2, Elena Niculet3,4,5, Emil Anton6
1"Sf. Apostol Andrei" County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 177 Brăilei Street, 800578 Galati, Romania.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening identifies hearing loss early. Infants of adolescent mothers have slightly higher abnormal screening results, linked to maternal and infant risk factors, not just age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care and audiology
- Public health and obstetrics
Background:
- Universal newborn hearing screening is crucial for early detection of sensorineural hearing loss.
- Adolescent pregnancies present unique biological, socio-economic, and obstetrical risks, potentially impacting infant health outcomes.
- Infants born to adolescent mothers may exhibit higher vulnerability to abnormal hearing screening results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hearing screening outcomes in newborns of adolescent mothers.
- To investigate the contribution of maternal and neonatal vulnerabilities to abnormal hearing screening results (REFER).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study (2021-2025) at a Romanian county hospital.
- Included 187 newborns of adolescent mothers (≤18 years) and 3203 newborns of adult mothers (>19 years).
- Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) testing performed within 48-72 hours post-birth; outcomes recorded as PASS/REFER.
Main Results:
- The final REFER rate was slightly higher in the adolescent group (5.3%) versus the adult group (4.8%).
- Maternal age was not directly linked to abnormal outcomes.
- Maternal anemia, limited prenatal care, rural residence, prematurity, and low birth weight were associated with persistent REFER results.
Conclusions:
- Infants of adolescent mothers have a modestly increased likelihood of abnormal hearing screening outcomes.
- These outcomes are primarily associated with cumulative maternal and neonatal vulnerabilities, not solely maternal age.
- Enhanced prenatal care and targeted audiological follow-up are recommended for this population to improve early detection of hearing loss.
Abstract:
Universal newborn hearing screening is essential for early identification of sensorineural hearing loss. Infants born to adolescent mothers may be more vulnerable to abnormal screening outcomes due to biological, socio-economic, and obstetrical risk factors frequently associated with adolescent pregnancy. This study evaluates hearing screening outcomes in newborns of adolescent mothers and examines whether maternal and neonatal vulnerabilities contribute to abnormal (REFER) results. A retrospective observational study was conducted over four years (January 2021-January 2025) at the "Sf. Ap. Andrei" County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Galați, Romania. The study included 187 newborns of adolescent mothers (≤18 years) and 3203 newborns of mothers aged >19 years. All infants underwent transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) testing within 48-72 h after birth, according to institutional protocol. PASS/REFER outcomes were recorded, and retesting was performed when indicated. Although otological conditions such as middle ear dysfunction may influence OAE responses, routine otoscopic examination and clinical assessment were performed prior to testing. Automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) testing was not routinely applied due to equipment availability and local screening practices. The final REFER rate was slightly higher in the adolescent group (5.3%) compared with the adult group (4.8%). Maternal age alone was not directly associated with abnormal outcomes; however, maternal anemia, limited prenatal care, rural residence, prematurity, and low birth weight were more frequently observed among cases with persistent REFER results. Infants born to adolescent mothers show a modestly increased likelihood of abnormal hearing screening outcomes, primarily related to cumulative maternal and neonatal vulnerabilities. Strengthening prenatal care and targeted audiological follow-up may improve early detection of sensorineural hearing loss in this population.
