Abstract
Introduction: Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital disabilities in neonates. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss and identify the most significant risk factor in neonates hospitalized at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 530 neonates admitted to NICU Abuzar Hospital with risk factors for hearing loss based on Joint Committee of Infant Hearing (JCIH). The hearing screening tests include transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAES) and the automated auditory brain stem response (AABR). For infants with abnormal AABR and TEOAE results, the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSR) tests were performed.Result: Of 530 infants, 27 (5.09%) were diagnosed with different types of hearing loss. Ototoxic drugs, hyperbilirubinemia requiring exchange transfusion, asphyxia, low weight birth, Apgar score < 5, and a kinship marriage of parents were significant risk factors for hearing loss in our study population.Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of hearing loss in the NICU, it is recommended that a hearing screening program be performed for all infants admitted to the NICU. Implement a comprehensive plan for neonatal hearing screening for early detection and intervention of hearing loss is essential.
Highlights
Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital disabilities in neonates
Bilateral deafness is reported in 1-3% of births and in 2-4% of neonates in the intensive care unit, which is more common than disorders such as congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria [2]
All enrolled neonates were screened for hearing impairment with Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) and automated auditory brain stem response (AABR) by Madsen Accuscreen (Madsen; Natus Hearing & Balance; Taastrup, Denmark)
Summary
Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital disabilities in neonates. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss and identify the most significant risk factor in neonates hospitalized at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Screening and detection of hearing loss in infants and children to intervene and reduce the adverse effects of hearing loss are essential. Bilateral deafness is reported in 1-3% of births and in 2-4% of neonates in the intensive care unit, which is more common than disorders such as congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria [2]. In 1994, 2000, and 2007, the Joint Committee of Infant Hearing (JCIH) published the risk factors for hearing loss and set standards for the identification of hearing loss [5] The frequency of hearing loss in high-risk infants is 10-20 times [3] and sometimes even 10-50 times [4] higher than infants without risk factors for hearing loss.
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