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Preliminary results and considerations in hearing screening of newborns based on otoacoustic emissions
G Salomon1, J Groth, B Anthonisen
1Department of Audiology, Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening using evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) is most effective after 24 hours of age. Optimal results require trained staff and automatic data analysis for reliable identification of hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neonatal screening
- Otoacoustic emissions
Background:
- Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) are a key tool for newborn hearing screening.
- Screening program success depends on factors like age, stimuli, examiner skill, and data analysis.
- Pilot trials were conducted on a whole newborn population using EOAEs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize experiences and identify optimal parameters for EOAE-based newborn hearing screening.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different stimuli and data evaluation methods.
Main Methods:
- Pilot screening of newborns using EOAEs.
- Testing at various ages, with specific click stimuli at 72.5 and 60.5 dB SPL.
- Visual evaluation of linear and non-linear components.
- Comparison of automatic vs. visual data evaluation.
Main Results:
- Optimal testing age is at least 24 hours.
- 95.5% of infants passed the screen (at least one ear) based on visual evaluation.
- EOAEs identified in 81% of waveforms for the 60.5 dB stimulus.
- Identifiable EOAEs found in 73% of non-linear components from combined stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Meticulous examiner training and automatic data evaluation are crucial for successful EOAE screening.
- Current methods indicate that examining both linear and non-linear components is necessary for comprehensive assessment.
Abstract:
Many factors may determine the success of a screening programme based on the presence of evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs), including age at test, stimulus used, examiner experience and method of data evaluation. This short report summarizes our experience based on pilot trials of a screen in the whole population of newborns using EOAEs. Optimal test time is when babies are at least 24 h old. Meticulous training of examiners and ultimately automatic evaluation of recordings is essential. Based on visual evaluation of responses to click stimuli at peak-equivalent sound pressure levels of 72.5 and 60.5 dB, 95.5% of babies passed the screen on at least one ear. However, we could only identify an EOAE in 81% of the waveforms for the 60.5 dB stimulus, and only 73% of the non-linear components derived by combining responses to the two stimuli contained an identifiable EOAE. At the present time, examination of both linear and non-linear components is indicated.