Role of Otoacoustic Emission Test in Early Diagnosis of Hearing Impairment in Infants.

Abstract

Hearing impairment is most common congenital dissorder and undiagnosed hearing loss can cause disorder in speech, language with delay in social and emotional developments. Early detection of Hearing Impairment in Infants and too access the relationship between selected risk factor and hearing loss. Neonates age upto 15days randomly selected from pediatric and obstetrics and gynaecology department, born during this period were screened by OAE before their discharge from the hospital and after stabilizing high risk neonates. Informed consent of neonates parent/guardian was obtained before babies were subjected to OAE. A total of 400 neonates were screened for hearing loss by otoacoustic emission. Out of that 18 (4.5%) neonates failed the test in initial screening and were asked for follow up screening. Two neonates were lost to follow up. Out of 16 neonates, 2 (12.5%) neonate failed the test on follow up screening by otoacoustic emission and was referred for BERA. Neonates were classified as low and high risk basis of risk factors present. Out of 76 neonates having high risk of hearing loss, 16 failed the test. Similarly out of 324 neonates with low risk of hearing loss, only one neonate failed the test. Chi square analysis has revealed highly significant results (p < 0.001). Late identification of hearing loss presents a significant public health concern. However, without screening, children with hearing loss are usually not identified until 2years of age, which results in significant delays in voice communication, language communication, social, cognitive, and emotional development. In contrast, early recognition, and intervention prior to 3months of historic period has a significant positive impact on development.