Abstract
To analyze the quality indicators of the hearing screening program and to evaluate lingual frenulum in newborns, in terms of coverage rates, duration of hearing screening, referral indexes and prevalence of ankyloglossia in a university hospital specializing in mother and child care. This is a cross-sectional study, in which we analyzed the database of the newborn hearing screening and lingual frenulum assessment program for the period between September 2015 and August 2016. During the study period, 2,345 babies were born at the institution, 1,380 (58.8%) underwent newborn hearing screening and 1,350 (57.6%) were diagnosed with a lingual frenulum. Mean gestational age was 39 weeks (± 1.6), birth weight 3478g (± 469.2) and 69% were boys. In newborn hearing screening, 95.7% of the 1,380 babies screened were discharged with guidance, 2.4% were referred for auditory monitoring and 1.9% of babies were referred for auditory diagnosis. In lingual frenulum assessment, 123 (9.1%) of the 1,350 evaluated, had ankyloglossia, 85 were boys and 47 girls. The indicators of the time of life in which the hearing screening is performed, the referral indices and ankyloglossia prevalence are in line with those reported in the literature; however, coverage rates were lower than recommended and do not comply with Brazilian law.
Highlights
Newborn screening is a preventive measure that can identify certain pathologies in asymptomatic individuals by applying tests during the first 28 days of life
The present study aims to analyze the indicators of Newborn hearing screening (NHS) quality and lingual frenulum assessment in terms of coverage rates, time of life that hearing screenings are carried out, referral indices and prevalence of ankyloglossia in a university hospital specialized in mother and child care
Our results demonstrate that the indicators regarding the time of life that auditory screenings take place and the referral index for auditory diagnosis are in line with literature recommendations and Brazilian laws, the coverage data are below recommended levels[8,13]
Summary
Newborn screening is a preventive measure that can identify certain pathologies in asymptomatic individuals by applying tests during the first 28 days of life. Newborn hearing screening (NHS), known as early hearing detection, and lingual frenulum assessment, or the tongue-tie test, are part of neonatal screening procedures. NHS is considered the most effective and recommended way for early hearing loss detection and intervention[3]. Lingual frenulum assessment makes it possible to identify ankyloglossia, which restricts tongue movements and may interfere in breastfeeding. Lingual frenulum assessment makes it possible to identify ankyloglossia, which restricts tongue movements and may interfere in breastfeeding4 This early diagnosis has a significant effect on newborn growth and development[2]. Common in ankyloglossia[4], can compromise the immune function of newborns and negatively affect nutritional gain[5]. Hearing disorders may delay language development and cause cognitive, emotional and social disturbances in the affected individuals as well as their families and communities[3]
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