Brainstem Evoked Auditory Responses in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Infants

Abstract

Jaundice is a common finding in neonates affecting 70% of term and 80% of preterm neonates during the first week of life. Objective of this study is to evaluate auditory and brainstem responses in hyperbilirubinemia infants and to see if there is any statistically significant increase in latencies of wave I and V waves with rise in bilirubin levels. In the present study we have taken 53 infants with hyperbilirubinemia>11mg% & with no other risk factors like preterm, low birth weight, birth asphyxia and age and sex matched controls who visited pediatric OPD of Bapuji Child Health Centre were evaluated using RMS EMG. EP MARK –II machine. Latencies of Waves I and V and inter-peak latency of I-V were recorded. Latency of wave V and IPL I-V were increased slightly compared to normal control subjects. Increase in the threshold leading to hearing impairment in the affected infants and complete deafness where none of the waves were recorded signify that hyperbilirubinemia is a risk factor for deafness. Since hyperbilirubinemia is a risk factor for hearing impairment, their hearing screening by BERA at the earliest and follow up will help in their earliest initiation of rehabilitation when the brain is sensitive to the development of speech & language.