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Referral rates and cost efficiency in a universal newborn hearing screening program using transient evoked
A B Maxon1, K R White, T R Behrens
1Department of Communication Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-1085, USA.
Insights
Universal newborn hearing screening using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) is feasible and cost-efficient. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of TEOAE screening in a large infant cohort, addressing concerns about false positives.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- A National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement recommends universal newborn hearing screening.
- Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) are a recommended screening method.
- Concerns exist regarding the feasibility, false positive rates, and cost-efficiency of TEOAE screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of universal newborn hearing screening using TEOAEs.
- To address arguments questioning the high false positive rate and cost-efficiency of TEOAE screening.
- To present new data from an operational screening program.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage screening process utilizing TEOAEs.
- Data collected from 4253 infants in an operational universal newborn hearing screening program.
- Analysis of screening outcomes to assess feasibility and efficiency.
Main Results:
- The study presents new data from a large cohort (4253 infants).
- The operational TEOAE screening program demonstrated feasibility.
- The findings address and counter arguments regarding high false positive rates and cost-inefficiency.
Conclusions:
- Universal newborn hearing screening using TEOAEs is operationally feasible.
- The TEOAE procedure is effective in identifying infant hearing loss.
- This study provides evidence supporting the cost-efficiency and reliability of TEOAE screening.
Abstract:
Recently, a National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement recommended that all infants be screened for hearing prior leaving the birthing hospital using a two-stage screening process based on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). Although the value of identifying hearing loss before 1 year of age is widely recognized, the feasibility of universal newborn hearing screening using TEOAE is sometimes questioned because it is presumed that the technique has a high false positive rate and is not cost efficient. This paper presents new data for 4253 infants from an operational universal newborn hearing screening program using a TEOAE procedure that answers those arguments.