Study of hearing impairment among “At risk” neonates by screening with OAE

Abstract

Background: Hearing is one of the very important five senses. Normal speech and language development depend upon a child’s ability to hear spoken language. Universal hearing screening is implemented in many developed countries. However, neither universal screening, nor high risk screening, exists in India. In India various studies have been conducted to detect the hearing loss on high risk neonates. Screening only the high-risk neonates can detect 50% of babies with hearing loss. Hence a mandatory hearing screening is needed to detect all such babies.

Methods: A cross sectional study of 75 “At risk” babies were done. Babies underwent hearing screening after 48 hours of birth or before discharge from hospital using DPOAE test as the first level of screening. Babies who got “Refer” results were subjected to repeat testing with DPOAE after one month. Babies who got “Refer” results in the second screening test were referred for diagnostic test BERA to assess hearing loss. Data was analysed by appropriate statistical methodology.

Results: Incidence of hearing loss among at risk babies is 2.6 % (2/75). Both babies who had hearing loss had multiple risk factors and had bilateral hearing loss. Common risk factors observed are NICU care > 5 days 100% (2/2), Ventilated baby 50% (1/2), Preterm 100% (2/2), low birth weight 50% (1/2), jaundice requiring phototherapy 100% (2/2).

Conclusion: Hearing loss is more common in “At risk” babies. Major risk factors are NICU admission, Preterm, LBW, Ventilated babies, and jaundice. It is necessary to implement neonatal hearing screening of at least “At risk” neonates in our country to secure normal, social and holistic development of the child. Two–stage DPOAE/BERA hearing screening is an efficient and cost-effective method for early detection of hearing impairment on a large scale.