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Auditory brainstem response screening for hearing loss in high risk neonates
D R Watson1, R J McClelland, D A Adams
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
Summary
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) screening effectively identifies hearing impairment in at-risk newborns. This method offers high accuracy and can detect hearing loss earlier, reducing average detection age by 7 months.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening is crucial for early intervention.
- Infants in Special Care Baby Units (SCBU) have a higher risk of hearing impairment.
- Traditional screening methods may have limitations in detecting all types of hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) as a screening tool for hearing impairment in high-risk newborns.
- To assess the sensitivity and specificity of ABR audiometry in a SCBU population.
- To determine the potential impact of an ABR-based screening program on early detection and cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A 7-year study involving 417 high-risk newborns in an SCBU.
- Hearing screening using ABR audiometry at birth.
- Analysis of screening results, including pass/fail rates and confirmation of hearing impairment.
Main Results:
- 332 out of 417 infants passed the initial ABR screen at 30 dBnHL.
- 32 infants failed the screen, with 9 confirmed sensorineural hearing impairments.
- An increased incidence of persistent middle ear disease was observed in the failure group.
Conclusions:
- ABR audiometry demonstrates excellent sensitivity and specificity for detecting significant hearing loss in at-risk newborns.
- Implementing an ABR-based screening program can reduce the average age of permanent hearing loss detection by 7 months.
- A targeted ABR screening procedure is a cost-effective approach for early identification of hearing impairment.