Targeted Audiological Surveillance Program in Campania, Italy

Abstract

To identify children with postnatal hearing loss, a structured monitoring system is needed. The goal of this study was to describe a targeted surveillance program in Italy to identify children with postnatal hearing loss. Between January, 2013, and December, 2016, all children who received bilateral 'pass' result at the newborn hearing screening, and who were identified as having at least one risk factor, were referred for targeted surveillance. The hospital records of these children were retrieved. Among children enrolled, 66 were identified with permanent hearing loss. The most frequent risk factors were family history (35%), prematurity (25.5%), low birthweight (19.2%), severe hyperbilirubinemia (19%), prolonged ventilation (15%) and congenital infection (12.5%). An audiological surveillance program in newborns who 'pass' in neonatal screening, but have risk factors, is effective in identifying permanent postnatal hearing disorders.