Our results of hearing screening in newborns

Abstract

Objectives: The newborn hearing screening test results with the automated auditory brainstem responses (AABR) test in our hospital was discussed in the light of current literature. Patients and Methods: The data of 379 newborn babies (202 boys, 177 girls) who underwent AABR test as a newborn hearing screening test between September 1, 2020, and September 1, 2021, were retrospectively scanned through hospital records, and the results were analyzed. Results: Fifty babies could not pass the first test. One baby did not come to the second test, and the family could not be reached. Three out of 49 babies failed the second test and were referred to the reference center. Although 28 babies passed the first or second test, they were referred to the reference center since they had risk factors. Conclusion: Hearing loss of newborn babies should be diagnosed in the first three months, necessary intervention should be made within six months, and both fitting aids and training should be started. Increasing the number of reference centers and the development of follow-up systems that provide feedback from referred patients will make screening programs more successful.