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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
[Diagnosis of hearing disorders in premature infants]
K Begall1, J Pethe, H von Specht
1Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenkrankheiten, Medizinischen Akademie Magdeburg, Deutschland.
Insights
Early screening for hearing loss in premature infants is crucial. Bedside recording of brainstem potentials can detect severe hearing disorders, enabling timely intervention to prevent developmental delays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Neonatology
Context:
- Over half of childhood hearing disorders are acquired, often linked to premature birth.
- Early detection and rehabilitation are vital to prevent developmental delays in infants with severe hearing loss.
- Premature birth itself, without complications, does not significantly increase hearing disorder risk.
Purpose:
- To evaluate bedside recording of brainstem potentials as a screening method for hearing disorders in premature infants.
- To identify risk factors associated with hearing impairment in premature infants.
Summary:
- A study examined 60 premature infants using bedside recording of brainstem potentials.
- Increased wave V latencies were observed in infants with birth weights under 1500g, hyperbilirubinemia, and intracranial bleeding.
- Approximately 10% of these high-risk infants were diagnosed with severe hearing disorders.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of audiological screening for high-risk premature infants.
- Bedside brainstem potential recordings offer a viable method for early detection of hearing loss.
- Facilitates timely referral to specialized care, improving long-term outcomes for affected infants.
Abstract:
In cases of severe hearing loss in babies an early rehabilitation should prevent a delay in development. More than a half of all hearing disorders in children are acquired; to a large extend these hearing disorders are caused by premature birth and can be detected by suitable screening. Two methods are used for testing: (1) reflex audiometry with a standardized stimulus generator; and (2) bedside recording of brainstem potentials. Having tested the method of bedside recording of brainstem potentials a group of 60 premature infants of varied body weights and no additional diseases was examined as "normal" control group. Only premature birth with all signs of maturation adequate for gestational age is not a greater risk for hearing disorders. In premature infants with birth weights less than 1500 g, having marked hyperbilirubinemia and extensive intracranial bleeding always increased wave V latencies has been observed. In about 10% of these children severe hearing disorders were diagnosed and after leaving the premature department were sent to a paedaudiological dispensaire.
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