Related Experiment Videos
Universal newborn hearing screening: feasibility in a community hospital
M T Huynh1, R A Pollack, R A Cunningham
1Department of Family Practice, Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, USA.
Insights
Implementing universal newborn hearing screening using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) is feasible in community hospitals. Trained technicians can accurately and reliably conduct TEOAE screenings for early detection of infant hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neonatal Care
- Public Health
Background:
- Universal newborn hearing screening is recommended by major health organizations.
- Feasibility in community hospital settings remains undemonstrated.
- Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) are a key screening method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of universal newborn hearing screening in a community hospital.
- To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of TEOAE screening by trained technicians.
Main Methods:
- Established a screening team including physicians, residents, an audiologist, and technicians.
- Compared testing times between audiologists and technicians.
- Assessed the accuracy and reliability of technician-performed screenings.
Main Results:
- Screened 627 infants, with 1.8% failing TEOAE screening and requiring referral.
- Six of 11 referred infants were diagnosed with hearing impairment.
- Trained technicians demonstrated accurate and reliable hearing test performance.
Conclusions:
- Universal newborn hearing screening using TEOAE is feasible in community hospitals.
- Technician-led screening is accurate and reliable, supporting broader implementation.
Background:
The National Institutes of Health and the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing have recommended universal newborn hearing screening. The feasibility of universal newborn hearing screening in a community hospital, however, has not been demonstrated. We initiated a universal newborn hearing screening program using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) at a community hospital to assess the feasibility of universal hearing screening in this setting.
Methods:
A screening team composed of a family practice physician, family medicine resident, audiologist, and four technicians was developed. The study compared testing time between the technicians and the audiologist and assessed whether the technicians were able to perform hearing testing accurately and reliably.
Results:
A total of 627 infants were screened. Of those, 11 (1.8%) failed TEOAE screening and were referred to a tertiary care center for further evaluation. Six of the 11 referrals were found to have a hearing impairment. Trained technicians were found to be capable of performing the screening accurately and reliably.
Conclusions:
Universal newborn hearing screening using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions is feasible in a community hospital.