Risk Factors of Hearing Impairment in New Born Infants at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: The first year of life is the key to normal speech and language development, as well as intellectual and emotional growth. Identification of risk factors for hearing loss is very important for early detection, early initiation of therapy, and assessing the baby's prognosis. This study aims to determine the risk factors for hearing loss in newborns. Methods: This research is a retrospective study with a case-control study design that was conducted from January to December 2021. The research sample was newborns with hearing loss at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah hospital. Hearing loss was assessed by Otoacoustic Emission (OAE). All data were analyzed with SPSS version 25. Results: This study got a total of 55 cases of newborns with hearing loss and 55 control groups without hearing loss. Based on multivariate analysis, the factor that significantly influenced hearing loss in newborns was premature birth (adjusted OR=7.120; 95% CI: 1.902-26.654; p=0.004). There was no significant relationship between length of stay, APGAR score, birth weight, family history, hyperbilirubinemia, mechanical ventilation, meningitis, congenital abnormalities, and ototoxic drugs with hearing loss in newborns. Conclusion: Prematurity is a risk factor for hearing loss in newborns. Premature babies should be screened for hearing to detect hearing loss early. Keywords: hearing loss, neonates, premature