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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Risk factors of sensorineural hearing loss in preterm infants
C Borradori1, C L Fawer, T Buclin
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Insights
Severe progressive hearing loss affects 1.46% of preterm infants. Perinatal complications and ototoxic drug exposure, like aminoglycosides and furosemide, are associated risk factors. Regular hearing assessments are crucial for early detection.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Audiology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
Background:
- Preterm infants are at increased risk for sensorineural hearing loss.
- Identifying specific perinatal risk factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors of severe progressive sensorineural hearing loss in preterm infants.
- To determine the association between perinatal complications, ototoxic drug exposure, and hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 547 preterm infants (<= 34 weeks gestation) was studied.
- Infants with hearing loss were compared to matched control groups based on gestation, birth weight, and perinatal complications.
- Ototoxic drug administration (aminoglycosides, furosemide) and dosage were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 8 children (1.46%) developed severe, progressive, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
- A higher incidence of perinatal complications was observed in infants with hearing loss.
- Prolonged administration and higher total doses of ototoxic drugs were closely related to hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal complications and ototoxic drug exposure are significant risk factors for severe hearing loss in preterm infants.
- Hearing loss in this population is often of delayed onset, bilateral, and severe.
- Prospective and regular audiologic assessment is strongly recommended for sick preterm children.
Abstract:
Among 547 preterm infants of < or = 34 weeks gestation born between 1987 and 1991, 8 children (1.46%) developed severe progressive and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Perinatal risk factors of infants with hearing loss were compared with those of two control groups matched for gestation and birth weight and for perinatal complications. Our observations demonstrated an association of hearing loss with a higher incidence of perinatal complications. Ototoxicity appeared closely related to a prolonged administration and higher total dose of ototoxic drugs, particularly aminoglycosides and furosemide. Finally, we strongly recommend to prospectively and regularly perform audiologic assessment in sick preterm children as hearing loss is of delayed onset and in most cases bilateral and severe.
