Newborn Hearing Screening Results Research Articles

Geographic, Sociodemographic, and Clinical Factors Associated With Parental Self-Efficacy in Pediatric Patients With Hearing Loss.

To identify geographic, sociodemographic, and clinical factors associated with parental self-efficacy in a diverse cohort of deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) children. Cross-sectional study. Tertiary children's hospital. Four hundred forty parents of DHH children aged 0 to 17 completed the 25-item Scale of Parental Involvement and Self-Efficacy (SPISE) survey from 2014 to 2022. Residential addresses were geocoded and assigned Area Deprivation Index and Social Vulnerability Index rankings, and univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using sociodemographic and clinical variables, including sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, survey language, age at the survey, comorbidities, newborn hearing screening results, and hearing loss laterality and severity. Compared to English and Spanish-speaking parents, Chinese-speaking parents were associated with overall lower parental self-efficacy and involvement (regression coefficient = -0.518, [-0.929, -0.106]), Cohen's d = 0.606) and lower scores on items related to their ability to affect multiple aspects of their child's development and expression of thoughts as well as competency in checking and putting on their child's sensory device. Across univariable and multivariable analyses, besides Chinese language, all other sociodemographic, clinical, and geographic variables were not associated with SPISE score. To achieve the best patient outcomes, care teams can use the SPISE to evaluate parental self-efficacy and provide targeted support to parents at risk for having lower knowledge and confidence scores about critical skills necessary to facilitate their child's auditory access and language development. Notably, this study found similar reports of parental efficacy across various sociodemographic, clinical, and geographic variables but significantly lower SPISE scores in Chinese-speaking families.

Newborn Hearing Screening Results for Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure in Southern Appalachia.

Infants prenatally exposed to opioids exhibit withdrawal symptomology that introduce physiological noise and can impact newborn hearing screening results. This study compared the referral rate and physiological noise interpreted by number of trials rejected due to artifact on initial newborn hearing screenings of infants with prenatal opioid exposure (POE) and infants with no opioid exposure (NOE). Furthermore, within the POE group, it examined the relationship of referral rates with severity of withdrawal symptomology, and with maternal and infant risk factors. This study used a retrospective cohort design of electronic medical records from six delivery hospitals in South-Central Appalachia. Newborn hearing screenings were conducted using automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) for 334 infants with POE and 226 infants with NOE. Severity of withdrawal symptomology was measured using the Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool, which includes observation of behaviors that introduce physiological noise. There was no significant difference in newborn hearing screening referral rate between infants with POE and infants with NOE. Referral rate was not affected by maternal or infant risk factors. Infants with POE had statistically significant higher artifact (defined as rejected ABR sweeps) than infants with NOE. There was a strong positive correlation between Finnegan scores and artifact but not referral rates. Sensitivity and specificity analysis indicated artifact decreased substantially after Day 4 of life. Referral rates of infants with POE were similar to those of infants with NOE. Nevertheless, the withdrawal symptomology of infants with POE introduces physiological noise reflected as artifact on ABR, which can affect efficiency of newborn hearing screenings.

Evaluation of newborn hearing screening results of infants with phenylketonuria

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is comparing the newborn hearing screening failure rate between phenylketonuria (PKU) infants and matched healthy control infants. Patients and methodsBetween April 2021 and April 2023, data obtained from the national newborn hearing screening program were examined for patients who presented to the pediatric metabolism clinic of Konya City Hospital with a clinical and genetic diagnosis of PKU. A healthy control group, matched for age and gender, was established. The newborn hearing screening test results, demographic information, and pregnancy data of infants with PKU and the control group were compared to assess risk factors. ResultsIn the initial screening test, 23 out of 73 PKU infants (31.5%) and 12 out of 73 infants in the control group (16.4%) failed the test (p = 0.033). Among the 23 PKU infants who did not pass the first test, 9 (35%) also failed the second test and were referred. In contrast, all 12 infants in the control group who did not pass the first test passed the second test. The failure rate in the second test was significantly higher in PKU infants compared to the control group (p = 0.003). It was observed that the maternal age of PKU infants who underwent the second test was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.029). Diagnostic hearing test results were found to be normal in all nine PKU patients who failed the secondary screening test and were referred to a tertiary center. ConclusionIn our study, it was determined that infants with phenylketonuria (PKU) who did not have any risk factors for hearing loss failed the hearing screening test significantly more than healthy infants.

Gebelikte covid-19 hastalığının yenidoğan tarama ABR sonuçlarına etkisi

Objective: In our study, it was aimed to compare the newborn screening ABR (Auditory Brainstem Responses, AABR) results of babies of mothers who had COVID-19 disease during pregnancy and babies of mothers who did not have COVID-19 disease.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: Newborns who underwent hearing screening tests in …. Hospital Audiology Unit between April 2019 and September 2021 were included in the study, and newborns whose mothers had COVID-19 disease during pregnancy were called Group 1, and those who did not have were called Group 2. Statistical difference was studied by comparing these two groups by their birth weight, week of birth, type of delivery, first hearing test result, and referral to a reference center.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total of 746 newborn babies, 472/746 (63.3%) female and 274/746 (36.7%) males, were included in our study. There were 202/746 (27.1%) newborns in Group 1 and 544/746 (72.9%) newborns in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of testing age (p&gt;0.05). When the right and left ears were evaluated separately in two groups in terms of passing the first test; no statistically significant difference was found in terms of passing the hearing test for the right and left ears, respectively (p=0.234, p=0.15). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of birth weight and referral to a reference center (p&gt;0.05), (p=0.775). &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The COVID-19 disease of the mother during pregnancy does not affect the newborn hearing screening results.

The Audiological Follow-Up of Children with Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Experience in Two Italian Centers.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the leading cause of non-hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in children. While about 10% of children reportedly display symptoms at birth, 85-90% of cCMV infection cases are asymptomatic. However, 10-15% of these asymptomatic infants may later develop hearing, visual, or neurodevelopmental impairments. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cCMV infection on newborns' hearing function with a particular emphasis on progressive and late-onset cases. This study is a retrospective chart analysis with longitudinal character and was conducted in two Italian centers: Center 1 (from 1 November 2007 to 31 December 2021) and Center 2 (from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021). Data collected included newborn hearing screening results, characterization of hearing loss (unilateral/bilateral, degree of impairment), and audiological follow-up. The cohort consisted of 103 children (42% males, 58% females). In total, 28 children presented with hearing impairment; 71.4% (20 out of 28) of the cases of hearing loss were severe/profound, with 35.7% of the cases due to unilateral hearing loss. Out of twenty-eight, six experienced progression of hearing loss and four had late-onset hearing loss. In the absence of universal cCMV screening, hearing screening at birth for cCMV remains a critical factor for early diagnosis. A significant percentage of children affected by cCMV with normal audiological evaluations at birth is easily lost to follow-up. Close collaboration between neonatologists, pediatricians, and audiological services is fundamental to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss.

Newborn Hearing Screening Results in Patients with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct.

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is the most common anatomic abnormality contributing to permanent hearing loss (HL) in children. Although the association between EVA and HL is well-documented, the pass rate for the newborn hearing screening (NBHS) for patients with EVA-related HL is not. Our objective was to investigate the association between NBHS results and audiologic and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric patients with EVA. This was a retrospective chart review of patients seen in the Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement with confirmed HL, known NBHS results, and confirmed EVA. Demographic, clinical, audiologic, and imaging data were collected from the medical record. Frequency-specific data points from pure-tone audiograms and/or automated auditory brainstem response tests were recorded, and four-frequency pure tone average was calculated using air conduction thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Of the 183 patients included in the study, 84 (45.9%) passed their NBHS, whereas 99 (54.1%) did not pass. Compared with patients who did not pass, patients who passed were more likely to have unilateral EVA and unilateral HL, whereas they were less likely to undergo cochlear implantation and to have causative SLC26A4 variants. EVA-associated HL may be identified at birth or during childhood, with nearly half the patients in this cohort passing their NBHS. Our results provide prognostic information for patients with EVA who pass their NBHS and highlight the importance of regular hearing monitoring for children not initially suspected of having HL. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2786-2791, 2023.

Hearing screening test in neonates born to COVID-19-positive mothers.

Infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy was not a risk factor for hearing loss, similar to other studies. • The pathogenetic mechanism of the viral-induced impairment of the organ of Corti includes direct damage to the hair cells and indirect damage due to the induction of the innate inflammatory response. • Early data suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus also has neurotropic properties with manifestations from the sensory epithelia. • Although the intrauterine infection remains controversial, the expression of the ACE-2 receptor on the placenta and the detection of IgM antibodies, as well as the covid-19 genome in fetuses, make the vertical transmission tenable. • In our study, the newborn hearing screening results indicate that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is not a risk factor for hearing loss.

Analysis of Newborn Hearing Screening Results in South Korea after National Health Insurance Coverage: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) has been covered by national health insurance since October 2018 in Korea. However, the results of the NHS are not reported due to the absence of a follow-up tracking system. This study analyzed the status and the predicted referral rates of NHS after the Korean national health insurance coverage by analyzing the National Health Insurance Service database in 2019 and 2020. The NHS coverage was 91.7% of total birth in 2019 and 92.1% in 2020. The predicted referral rate of NHS calculated by the duplicated NHS cases was 1.05% in 2019 and 0.99% in 2020. However, another predicted referral rate calculated by the number of diagnostic auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) performed was 1.44% in 2019 and 1.43% in 2020. The first NHS was performed within one day of birth for 96.5% of the babies and within three days of birth for 97%. However, diagnostic ABR was adequately performed within three months of birth for only 4.3%, while 82.3% performed the test after six months which delays appropriate intervention for hearing loss. National support such as national coordinators, follow-up tracking, and data management systems are needed for early hearing detection and intervention of newborns and infants in Korea.

Whole genome sequencing for newborns—The devil is in the details

Whole genome sequencing for newborns—The devil is in the details

Newborn Hearing Screening Results of Infants Born To Mothers Who Had COVID-19 Disease During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective:Viral infections are known to be a risk factor for neonatal hearing loss. COVID-19 infection has been reported to affect hearing test results in one small sample sized study. We aimed to investigate the incidence the risk of neonatal hearing loss in infants of mothers who had COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, regarding their trimesters, by evaluating the neonatal hearing screening results.Design:In this retrospective case-control study, neonatal hearing test results of 458 women with a history of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy were compared with 339 women who gave birth before the pandemic. Data of pregnant women who attended the COVID-19 outpatient clinic of the emergency service of a tertiary pandemic hospital and who had confirmed infection with a reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test were determined from the hospital’s records and their neonatal hearing screening results were analyzed from the national database. Neonates born before <34 weeks, and with reported risk factors in the database such as congenital anomaly or known TORCH infection during pregnancy were excluded. The screening tests, Automated Auditory Brainstem Response or Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE), were used for screening, and patients who failed the first screening were reevaluated at least 2 weeks apart with a second screening.Results:The incidence of failed second screening was 1.3% in the COVID-19 group and 2.9% in controls, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups according to the final screening results on the second test. Among the 458 mothers, 8 were infected in first trimester, 126 in second trimester, 127 in third trimester but did not deliver within 15 days after infection and 197 were positive at birth. Six neonates in the infected group failed the second screening (3 [2.4%] in the second trimester, 1 [0.8%] third trimester, and 2 [1.0%] positive at birth).Conclusions:COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was not found to be a risk factor for hearing loss, according to the newborn hearing screening results.

The newborn hearing screening results in Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the results of newborn hearing screening performed in 2017-2020 at the Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital, Turkey. Material and Method: Six thousand seven hundred and ninety newborns undergoing hearing screening between January 2017 and December 2019 at the Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital were included in this retrospective study. The screening ABR test was performed with all babies. Test findings retrieved from our hospital and the central database were subjected to analysis. Results: 4701 babies passed the 1st test, 1920 babies passed the 2nd test, 139 babies passed the 3rd test. Of the 30 babies who could not pass these 3 screening ABR tests and were referred to the reference center, 19 passed the test. Of the remaining 11 babies (0.162%), 7 (0.103%) had unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and 4 (0.058%) had bilateral SNHL. Conclusion: It is very important for hearing loss to be detected via screening tests in the first three months and for treatment and rehabilitation to be started within six months at the latest. These babies can thus acquire normal hearing and not lag behind their peers in terms of linguistic, social, and cognitive skill development.

Auditory and olfactory findings in patients with USH2A-related retinal degeneration-Findings at baseline from the rate of progression in USH2A-related retinal degeneration natural history study (RUSH2A).

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is characteristic of Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2), but less is known about SNHL in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) and olfaction in USH2A-associated retinal degeneration. The Rate of Progression of USH2A-related Retinal Degeneration (RUSH2A) is a natural history study that enrolled 127 participants, 80 with USH2 and 47 with ARRP. Hearing was measured by pure-tone thresholds and word recognition scores, and olfaction by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). SNHL was moderate in 72% of USH2 participants and severe or profound in 25%, while 9% of ARRP participants had moderate adult-onset SNHL. Pure-tone thresholds worsened with age in ARRP but not in USH2 participants. The degree of SNHL was not associated with other participant characteristics in either USH2 or ARRP. Median pure-tone thresholds in ARRP participants were significantly higher than the normative population (p< 0.001). Among 14 USH2 participants reporting newborn hearing screening results, 7 reported passing. Among RUSH2A participants, 7% had mild microsmia and 5% had moderate or severe microsmia. Their mean (±SD) UPSIT score was 35 (±3), similar to healthy controls (34 [±3]; p= 0.39). Olfaction differed by country (p= 0.02), but was not significantly associated with clinical diagnosis, age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, visual measures, or hearing. Hearing loss in USH2A-related USH2 did not progress with age. ARRP patients had higher pure-tone thresholds than normal. Newborn hearing screening did not identify all USH2A-related hearing loss. Olfaction was not significantly worse than normal in participants with USH2A-related retinal degeneration.

A Clinical Study on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the Hearing of Newborns.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the results of newborn hearing screening.MethodsA total of 666 pregnant women who gave birth in the Obstetric Department of Sunshine Ronghe Hospital from August 2017 to May 2018 were randomly selected, and 69 of these pregnant women had GDM and were assigned into group 1 (excluding other diseases). The average age of these patients was 31.07 years. A further 597 pregnant women had no GDM and were assigned into group 2 (excluding other diseases). The average age of these patients was 30.02 years. The results of newborn hearing screening results in group 1 and group 2 were compared.ResultsComparisons of abnormal hearing screening between 2 groups are significant different (P < 0.05). In the GDM group, the results of hearing screening of newborns delivered by vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery were compared, yielding a P-value of > 0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant. In the non-GDM group, the results of hearing screening of newborns delivered by vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery were compared, yielding a P-value of >0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionGDM increases the incidence of abnormal hearing in newborns.

Newborn Hearing Screening Results of Duzce Province in the Western Black Sea Region

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the results of newborn hearing screening (NHS) conducted at Düzce Atatürk State Hospital, and review the results with the relevant literature. Material and Methods: The hearing screening results of 20071 newborns whose hearing screening was conducted at Düzce Atatürk State hospital between January 2011 and December 2018 were evaluated retrospectively in this study. Refugees were not included in the study. Newborns without risk factors who came to the first test were evaluated with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). If they failed from the first screening test were evaluated again 15 days later with TEOAE. Newborns who failed the second screening test were evaluated a third time with ABR. Newborns with risk factors were first evaluated with auditory brainstem response (ABR).The risky newborns who failed the first screening test were evaluated second time with ABR. Results: Hearing loss was present in 62 (0.30%) of the 20071 newborns and was unilateral in 35 (0.17%) and bilateral in 27 (0.13%) subjects. Conclusion: For the rehabilitation of babies with hearing loss, their treatment should be started as early as possible. Newborn hearing screening tests are a screening program that has been successfully applied in our country for many years and enables the detection of babies with hearing loss. With this screening program, babies with hearing loss can be detected at an early stage and their treatment and rehabilitation can be provided. The results of our study are consistent with other hearing screening results from our country.

Hearing screening outcomes in neonates of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate possible association of maternal SARS-CoV-2 with newborn hearing loss. We compared hearing screening outcomes in neonates born to women with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results during pregnancy with healthy controls. MethodsNeonates born between April and December 2020 in our hospital to mothers with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results during pregnancy were included in this study. Neonates with risk factors for universal newborn hearing screening (NHS) were excluded. Neonates born to mothers with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results during pregnancy were compared with healthy controls in terms of newborn hearing screening results and independent variables. ResultsNeonates in the COVID-19 group were more likely to have a “refer” result in auditory brainstem responses (ABR) compared with the control group (53/118 and 28/118, respectively; p = 0.001). The second ABR test results did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.618). Logistic regression revealed that birth week and type of birth were not associated with the “refer” result. PCR positivity in the second trimester was more likely to produce the “refer” result in the first ABR test (p = 0.014). ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity in pregnancy is significantly associated with an increased risk of abnormal NHS results. Also, the timing of PCR positivity in pregnancy (trimester) may be related to abnormal NHS results.

Our Newborn Hearing Screening Results of Infants with Congenital Hypothyroidism

Objective: We aimed to reveal newborn hearing screening test results and risk factors of babies diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in our hospital. Material and Methods: The files of the newborns who were evaluated within the scope of the national newborn screening program between January and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors were evaluated by comparing newborn hearing screening test results of babies with CH and euthyroid control groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and pregnancy datas. There was no significant difference between the CH and control groups in terms of the rate of failed/passed patients from the hearing screening tests. Patients with thyroid hypoplasia at CH group failed at a higher rate from the first hearing screening test. Conclusion: In this study, there was no significant difference between CH and control groups in terms of hearing screening results.

Our newborn hearing screening results.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of neonatal hearing screening in our hospital with the help of literature and to question and reveal the risk factors to gain healthy individuals and to raise awareness for all health workers and the public who are interested in this subject.METHODS:A total of 16,388 newborn infants were evaluated between October 2009 and January 2018. All newborns were screened with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) test. Risk factors were investigated. The test repetition and auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were performed on newborns who could not pass the TEOAE test and the newborns in the risky group after 15 days.RESULTS:A total of 116 newborns (0.7%) were suspected to have hearing loss. Twenty-seven newborns (0.16%) were found to be in intensive care unit. Twelve newborns (0.07%) had permanent hearing loss. Then, in order: 9 newborns (0.05%) had received phototherapy and 7 newborns (0.04%) were born to consanguineous marriages. In addition, 3 newborns (0.02%) had a low birth weight and 1 newborn (0.006%) had a history of fever.CONCLUSION:Screening tests should be performed in all newborns for early detection of hearing loss. Even though frequency of hearing loss is higher in newborns with risk factors, the treatment should be started within 6 months, the latest, and newborns should be referred for rehabilitation and training.

Newborn hearing screening results: Comparison of Syrian and Turkish newborns; factors influencing the difference

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the hearing screening results of Syrian and Turkish newborns and reveal the risk factors faced by Syrian refugees. MethodsThe neonatal hearing screening results of newborns born in, or admitted to, the Sanliurfa Research and Education Hospital, Sanliurfa/Turkey, between January 01, 2018, and December 31, 2018, were analyzed. Newborns with congenital anomalies and syndromes were excluded from the study. Also, the neonatal hearing screening results and risk factors of newborns diagnosed with hearing loss were analyzed. ResultsA total of 6034 Syrian and 37,219 Turkish newborns were included in the study. Hearing loss was found in 84 (0.2%) of 37,219 Turkish newborns and 26 (0.4%) of 6034 Syrian newborns. In this study, the risk factors such as consanguineous marriages, familial hearing loss, hospitalization in intensive care, prematurity, low birth weight (less than 1500 g), hyperbilirubinemia, use of ototoxic drugs, history of congenital infection, blood incompatibility, and trauma at birth were found in newborns with hearing loss. The risk factors were present in 41.7% of Turkish newborns and 65.4% of Syrian newborns with hearing loss. ConclusionsThe high hearing loss rates found in Syrian newborns showed how accurate it was to include the Syrian migrants born in Turkey into the neonatal hearing screening program and the newborns with hearing loss into appropriate rehabilitation programs. Further studies should focus on the risk factors faced by Syrian migrants so that the number of Syrian newborns with hearing loss can be reduced.

Follow-up after failed newborn hearing screening: Parental and primary care provider awareness.

The current loss to follow-up rate after failed newborn hearing screening (NBHS) is 34.4%. Previous studies have found that lack of parental and primary care provider (PCP) awareness of NBHS results are significant contributors to loss to follow-up. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with parental and PCP awareness of NBHS results. Retrospective cohort study. A survey asking about demographics and knowledge of NBHS testing and results was offered to parents in the waiting room of an urban pediatric primary care office. Included were biological parents ≥18years of age of children ≤10years of age born in Pennsylvania. Each child's chart was reviewed for PCP documentation of NBHS results. The odds of knowing NBHS results were evaluated using logistic regression. The survey was completed by 304 parents. 74.0% were aware of their child's NBHS results. Child age ≥1year old (OR: 0.49, 95%CI[0.29, 0.82], P=0.007) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 0.38, 95%CI[0.16, 0.89], P=0.03) were associated with decreased odds of a parent knowing NBHS results. In addition, fewer fathers knew the results of their child's NBHS compared with mothers (OR: 0.33, 95%CI[0.18, 0.62], P<0.001). However, parental awareness was not associated with birthing facility or insurance type. 222 charts were reviewed for NBHS documentation, revealing PCP awareness in 95.5% of cases and no associations with any of the factors examined. Factors associated with parents not knowing NBHS results included being the parent of an older child, Hispanic, or the father.

Comparison of hearing screening results of Syrian refugees and Turkish newborns

ObjectiveTo analyze Turkish (Host) and Syrian (Refugee) newborn hearing screening results and factors of risk. MethodsAll newborns between 02.12.2017 and 31.06.2019 were screened with Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) test. A total of 874 newborns were examined (172 refugee and 702 host newborns). All screened patients were questioned in terms of consanguineous marriage, speech disorder in family, delivery method (normal vaginal birth/caesarean birth), birth weight, birth week, newborn intensive care unit (ICU) necessity, newborn icterus and phototherapy. ResultAs for the host newborns, 360 (51.3%) passed ABR screening, 161 (23%) failed in either one ear, and 181 (25.8%) failed both ears. As for the refugee newborns, 60 (34.9%) passed ABR screening, 38 (22.1%) failed in either one ear, and 74 (43.0%) failed both ears. There was a significant statistical difference between host and refugee newborns’ ears in terms of hearing loss detected in the screening test (p = 0.017). In terms of delivery method, the caesarean rate was higher in refugees, and a statistically significant difference existed between two groups (p = 0.023). There was a significant difference between refugee newborns and host newborns in terms of newborn ICU necessity rate (p = 0.014). ConclusionsIt was demonstrated clearly that hearing screening test results between the two groups were affected by low socio-economic level when host and refugees newborns were compared. In line with the findings of this study, it should be taken into account that bad living conditions depending on war and immigration throughout pregnancy, delivery method, and the need for newborn ICU in the newborn period may affect hearing results in newborns significantly.