A cross-sectional study of neonatal hearing impairment: understanding its prevalence and risk factors in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India

Abstract

Background: Congenital hearing loss is one of the most prevalent sensory impairments with severe consequences when undetected. The objective of neonatal hearing screening is to identify hearing impairments shortly after birth to initiate treatment as soon as possible and to allow affected children to enjoy normal development. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and identify the predisposing factors of HI among neonates in a tertiary care centre in Idukki district of Kerala using a universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) program, in an attempt to initiate early interventions in affected neonates. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the department of ENT, Al Azhar Medical College and Super Specialty Hospital, Thodupuzha, Kerala over a period of 1 year involving 646 neonates. The study excluded any newborn whose parent/guardian did not give consent for the study, or neonates with microtia grade II and above. Results: The overall prevalence of HL in neonates in our study was 3.1 in 1000 live births out of which 61% were males and 39% females. The risk factors found in our study were preterm babies, maternal age >35, low birth weight, teenage pregnancy, primigravida, and neonatal jaundice requiring blood transfusion. Conclusions: In a standard neonatal population, both at-risk and non-at-risk neonates warrant the immediate adoption of a universal hearing screening program for all neonates in India. Hence, we would like to stress the importance of identifying infants with HL, administering early treatment and performing appropriate screening tests in infants at the right time period.