Outcomes of a universal neonatal hearing screening program of 9941 newborns over a one-year period in Campinas, Brazil

Abstract

ObjectivesTo characterize the outcomes of a universal neonatal hearing screening program in Brazil. MethodsRetrospective documentary analysis of the hearing screening of the neonates born in the hospital from August 2019 to July 2020. The universal neonatal hearing screening program performed the examination of TEOAE in newborn without risk factors for hearing loss and TEOAE and aABR in neonates with risk factors for hearing loss. Results9941 neonatal records were studied, 9088 newborns (91,42%) with no risk factors for hearing loss and 849 newborns (8.54%) with risk factors for hearing loss. 4 newborns (0.04%) had hearing loss in the group without risk factors and 16 newborns (1.88%) in the group with risk factors. In retesting those newborns who failed the UNHS test stage, we had 4 newborns (0.04%) without risk factors and 2 newborns (0,24%) with risk factors who evaded and did not return to service. ConclusionIt was possible to survey the outcomes of one year of the UNHS service and observe that the coverage rate of the service was 99.96%. The use of the combined methodology guaranteed a number of forwardings for less returns. Through this study, it was possible to observe that this service complies with the quality indicators recommended by the guidelines.