Neonatal screening for hearing loss and its risk factors at a tertiary hospital; A : Prospective Cross sectional study.

Abstract

Background Hearing loss is one of the commonest childhood disabilities with a huge burden in developing countries like India. Detecting and rehabilitating neonates with hearing impairment is a healthcare priority. Prevalence of hearing impairment among neonates is high. Early identification and early rehabilitation is the key in addressing this disability. Behavioral observation audiometry is a dependable screening tool compared to Auditory Brainstem Response.Objectives 1. To screen neonates for hearing impairment using behavioral observation audiometry 2.To confirm hearing impairment using Auditory Brainstem Response among screen positive neonatesMethodology A cross sectional study was conducted among 160 randomly selected neonates. A questionnaire was administered followed by free field testing of Behavioral Observation Audiometry was done on all neonates. Risk factors for neonatal hearing loss was assessed among all neonates.Results The prevalence of hearing impairment on screening with BOA was found to be 2.5 . Risk factors for hearing impairment are more prevalent in our study. 27.5 of the neonates were born preterm being the most common risk factor followed by hyperbilirubinaemia 21.9 low birth weight 13.13 NICU admissions 9.4 and vaginal discharge in mothers during antenatal period being 6.9.Conclusions Prevalence of hearing impairment among newborns and its risk factors are high among normal newborns. Hence there is a need for a routine neonatal hearing screening program.