Otoacoustic Emission Testing Research Articles

Assessment, localization of hearing loss and rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy

Objective This study was designed to assess hearing loss in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), pure-tone audiometry (PTA), and impedance audiometry. The prevalence of hearing loss was studied in this group and the location of lesion causing hearing loss was found using the above tests. We also compared the efficacy of OAE and BERA as screening modality for the detection of hearing impairment in such children. Material and Methods The study was conducted on 100 patients (200 ears) with CP in the age group of 1–18 years. The patients were selected randomly from those presenting to the Outpatient Department (OPD) with a diagnosis of CP in Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital. Investigations like BERA, transient evoked OAE (TEOAE), distortion product OAE (DPOAE), PTA, and impedance audiometry were done on them. Results On BERA, 58.5% children passed as per our criteria, and 41.5% failed the test. In all, 78% cases showed abnormal morphology of wave V. More than 50% of those who passed on BERA had poor morphology of wave V. Latency of wave V at 80 dB was prolonged in most cases. The mean latency of wave V was 6.159 msec. About 83.5% children failed on OAE testing according to our criteria, while only 16.5% passed. Conclusion The prevalence of hearing loss was calculated to be 41.5%. In most cases, the site of the lesion was found to be cochlea, as OAE was absent in most cases (83.5% of patients tested). OAE was found to be a less efficacious test as compared to BERA in detecting hearing loss.

Postnatal cytomegalovirus infection and its effect on hearing and neurodevelopmental outcomes among infants aged 3-10 months: A cohort study in Eastern Uganda.

Hearing impairment and neurodevelopmental disorders pose a significant global health burden in children. The link between postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and these outcomes remains unclear. This study explored the association of postnatal CMV infection with hearing and neurodevelopmental outcomes in term infants aged 3 to 10 months. This was a cohort sub-study within the BabyGel cluster randomised trial in Eastern Uganda. From 1265 term infants screened for CMV, 219 were negative at birth but positive at 3 months, and were age-matched with 219 CMV-negative controls. CMV status was determined by PCR screening of saliva samples, with positive results confirmed using urine samples (Chai Open qPCR, Santa Clara, CA). From the established cohort, 424 infants were successfully followed up between 3 to 10 months of age. Clinical assessments included neurodevelopmental evaluation using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and hearing screening using Otoacoustic Emission testing (Otoport Lite, Otodynamics Limited). Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and log binomial regression models with Stata 18. Of the 424 infants included in the study, 206 were postnatal CMV-infected and 218 were uninfected. Neurodevelopmental assessments indicated no differences between postnatal CMV-infected infants and uninfected groups (ARR 0.88, 95% CI [0.67, 1.15], p = 0.346). Hearing screening revealed a 1.99-fold increased risk of a positive result for postnatal CMV-infected infants compared to uninfected infants (67/106 vs. 39/106, 95% CI [1.27, 3.12], p = 0.003). Postnatal CMV infection was associated with more positive hearing screenings, though no significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes were observed in early infancy. Exploration into the feasibility of incorporating hearing and CMV screening into routine care will play a vital role in early identification and intervention, improving the management of both hearing and CMV-related conditions in resource-limited settings.

Newborn screening for deafness genes with cord blood-based multicolour melting curve analysis.

The purpose of the research was to examine the prevalence rates of screening for genetics and hearing simultaneously in neonates and provide scientific evidence for the beneficial application of newborn screening in the Southeast China population. Between June 2015 and March 2023, 27,843 newborns were enrolled in the study. All participants were screened by otoacoustic emissions at 2days of age. Fifteen variant hotspots in the four deafness genes (GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4 and MTRNR1) were detected using multicolour melting curve analysis. Newborn screening data were also analysed. In otoacoustic emissions testing, 244 newborns (0.88%) failed the secondary screening. According to genetic testing, 1307 (4.69%) newborns had at least one variant. GJB2 c.235delC (2.34%) and SLC26A4 c.919-2A>G (0.91%) were the major deafness-related variants in the Wenzhou area of Southeast China. In addition, a difference in the number of newborns with variants was observed between the passed and failed groups. The difference in the positive rate between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=274.969, P<0.05). Newborn screening for deafness genes by cord blood-based melting curve analysis can be applied to genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis, and genetic screening of newborns with sensorineural hearing impairment with an unknown cause. The new PCR melting curve analysis approach is more effective and more convenient than SNaPshot and MS-based assay testing. Furthermore, it has a lower cost and is more suitable for clinical testing.

Changes in Plasma Levels of Prestin and Otolin-1 in Dental Students.

Dentists and dental professionals report a high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and related symptoms. Chronic exposure to high-frequency dental instrument sounds, which can damage the outer hair cells (OHCs) of the cochlea, is strongly linked to their NIHL. Similarly, dental students in teaching clinics often report symptoms associated with NIHL. In this study, we measured plasma levels of prestin and otolin-1, two biomarkers associated with inner ear health, in first-year (D1) and third-year (D3) dental students. D1 students were selected for their relatively short exposure to dental clinics, while D3 students represented a group with substantial cumulative exposure. First-year (M1) medical students, who have no exposure to dental instruments, served as the negative controls, while dental faculty, many of whom are diagnosed with NIHL or self-report hearing problems, served as the positive controls. Thirty-one students (D1=11, D3=8, M1=12) and 10 dental faculty volunteered for the study. Participating students completed an online survey about their hearing health, exposure to excessive sounds within and outside school, and use of hearing protection. Sound levels of medical Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and dental Simulation (SIM) labs while in session were recorded with a calibrated sound meter. Plasma levels of prestin and otolin-1 were quantitated using commercial ELISA kits. The sound level of in-session OMM lab was significantly higher (72.64 ± 1.69 dBA) than SIM lab (65.37 ± 3.97 dBA). Both medical and dental students experienced similar exposure to outside school noises; however, dental students had significantly longer exposure to high-frequency dental instrument sounds in the SIM lab (12.3 hours/week; 74.93-80.51 dBA). Plasma prestin levels were lowest in D3 students (559.88 ± 24.91 ng/ml), followed by D1 students (576.27 ± 71.44 ng/ml). Negative control M1 students had higher levels (675.73 ± 90.23 ng/ml), while the positive control dental faculty group exhibited the highest prestin levels (727.71 ± 128.65 ng/ml). Prestin levels in D3 students were significantly lower than those in M1 students, and the dental faculty group had significantly higher prestin levels than both D1 and D3 students. No differences in otolin-1 levels were observed among the groups. Our finding that D3 students, with greater experience using dental instruments in the SIM lab, exhibited the lowest plasma prestin levels may indicate a protective mechanism by the OHCs, downregulating its expression to reduce the risk of NIHL. This is in line with the findings in the dental faculty, who self-reported NIHL or hearing problems and exhibited the highest prestin levels. The lack of changes in plasma otolin-1 levels across groups, combined with students self-reporting excellent hearing health, may offer alternate view of subclinical inner ear damage among dental students. Future studies incorporating audiometry and otoacoustic emission tests along with the inner ear biomarkers may provide better understanding of NIHL in dental students.

Heterogeneous Group of Genetically Determined Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders.

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is often missed by standard hearing tests, accounting for up to 10% of hearing impairments (HI) and commonly linked to variants in 23 genes. We assessed 122 children with HI, including 102 with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and 20 with ANSD. SNHL patients were genotyped for common GJB2 variants using qPCR, while ANSD patients underwent whole exome sequencing, with variants analyzed across 249 genes. Homozygous GJB2 variants were found in 54.9% of SNHL patients. In 60% of ANSD patients, variants were detected in OTOF (25%), CDH23, TMC1, COL11A1, PRPS1, TWNK, and HOMER2 genes, including eight novel variants. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions testing revealed differences at 4000 Hz (p = 0.0084) between the ANSD and SNHL groups. The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) test showed significant differences at 500 Hz (p = 2.69 × 10-4) and 1000 Hz (p = 0.0255) compared to pure-tone audiometry (PTA) in ANSD patients. Our questionnaire shows that the parents of children with SNHL often report an improved quality of life with hearing aids or cochlear implants, while parents of children with ANSD frequently experience uncertainty about outcomes (p = 0.0026), leading to lower satisfaction.

EARLY DETECTION AND LONGITUDINAL OUTCOMES OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN NICU GRADUATES AT SDM COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND HOSPITAL

Objective: Hearing impairment is a prevalent congenital anomaly, particularly in neonates in NICUs, due to various risk factors. Early detection through screening programs is crucial for developmental outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, involving 425 neonates. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing was used for early detection and longitudinal outcome assessment. Results: Out of 425 neonates, 95.3% passed the initial OAE screening. However, 4.7% failed, necessitating further evaluation. Notable risk factors included neonatal jaundice and perinatal asphyxia, particularly impacting neonates with lower birth weights. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of early and universal hearing screening in NICU settings, emphasizing the need for tailored protocols to address specific neonatal risks.

Factors Affecting Successful Completion of the Neonatal Hearing Screening Test (Otoacoustic Emission Test) in the First Attempt in Healthy Term Newborns Prior to Discharge from the Hospital

Introduction: Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent congenital disorders in neonates. Infants with untreated hearing loss usually struggle greatly in terms of emotional, social, and verbal development. Early identification via neonatal hearing tests and preventive strategies have been advised in order to lessen the negative impacts of congenital hearing loss on the infant's life.Objectives: To assess the factors affecting the success of performing an otoacoustic emissions(OAE) test in stable term neonates.Methodology: A descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital from 01/06/20222 to 01/09/2022. All healthy term neonates were included, and preterm and neonates associated with other medical conditions were excluded. Results: Out of 455 neonates, 422 (92.7%) were able to successfully complete the OAE test. 85.1% (n = 365) had a bedside sound level of 60dB-65 with a mean value of 61.62 dB at the time of OAE testing (p = 0.030). 134 (29.5%) neonates were breastfed (p = 0.281) and the majority of the newborns (n=367, 80.7%) were sleeping (p = 0.460) during the OAE test. Considering the factors affecting the successful outcome of the OAE testing, there is a statistically significant association with crying (p&lt;0.001,OR(95% CI) = 0.026 (0.010- 0.068)), struggling (p = 0.003), OR (95% CI) = 0.194 (0.58 - 0.647), debris in the external ear (p&lt;0.001) with OR (95% CI) = 0.019 (0.005 - 0.75), throat secretions (p &lt;0.001), and OR (95% CI) of 0. 122 (0.034 - 0.442), external ear abnormalities (p = 0.005), and OR (95% CI) = 0.169(0.041 - 0.686).Conclusion: Crying, struggling, debris in the external ear, throat secretions, external ear abnormalities, and the sound level (dB) at the time of the test are the factors that are statistically significantly associated with the success of the OAE test. Thus, to achieve a successful OAE test, it is pivotal to keep the baby in a calm state with an optimal bedside sound level.

Changes in Auditory Performance Following a Virtual Reality Music Concert.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate threshold and suprathreshold auditory risk from a newly popular platform of music concert entertainment; virtual reality (VR) headsets. Recreational noise exposure to music is the primary source of hearing hazard in young-adults, with noise doses of in-person concert venues and music festivals well in excess of the recommended daily exposure recommendation from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. While research on the relationship between personal music players and noise-induced hearing loss risk is abundant, no study has yet evaluated noise-induced hearing loss risk from VR headsets, which are newest to the commercial market at this time. Thirty-one young-adult participants (18 to 25 years) with normal-hearing sensitivity (0 to 16 dB HL) experienced a VR music concert and participated in three data collection timepoints: Session A preexposure, Session A post-exposure, and Session B post-exposure. Participants underwent baseline testing for audiometry (0.25 to 20 kHz), distortion product otoacoustic emission testing (1 to 10 kHz), and Words-in-Noise testing. Participants then wore a commercially available VR headset (Meta Quest 2) and experienced a freely available online VR music concert (via the video-sharing website "YouTube"). The VR music concert duration was 90 min set to maximum volume, which yielded an average sound level equivalent of 78.7 dBA, max sound level of 88.2 dBA, and LC peak sound level of 98.6 dBA. Post-exposure testing was conducted immediately at the conclusion of the VR concert, and again within 24 hr to 1 week after the exposure. Participants also answered a questionnaire that estimated noise exposure history (National Acoustics Laboratory "Noise Calculator"). Post-exposure deficit was not observed in DPOAEs or Words-in-Noise score (p's > 0.05). However, statistically significant temporary post-exposure deficit was observed in audiometry at 4, 8, and 12.5 kHz (p's < 0.05) (mean differences: 2 to 3 dB HL). Twenty-four hours and 1-week post-exposure measurements revealed no permanent changes from baseline measurements (p's > 0.05) aside from one spurious difference at 12.5 kHz. Males tended to exhibit a significantly higher noise history score on average than females. The primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of noise hazard history in this young-adult cohort included amplified music. These preliminary data suggest that VR music concerts-which are likely to produce a substantially lower noise dose than in-person music concerts-may still be capable of producing at least slight, temporary threshold shifts on the order of 2 to 3 dB HL. Future research should include VR headsets in personal music player risk assessment, as the VR music concert platform is increasing rapidly in popularity among young-adults.

The Association between Aminoglycoside Exposure and Ototoxicity in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Introduction: Pulmonary exacerbations increase the requirement of aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Several studies have shown that AGs have a cumulative effect on ototoxicity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AG exposure and ototoxicity by using 3 different methods in patients with CF. Materials/Methods: The multicenter study included 121 pwCF aged between 5 and 18 years with a history of parenteral AG exposure. Standard pure-tone audiometry, extended high-frequency pure-tone audiometry (EHF-PTA), and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) tests were performed. Mitochondrial mutation analysis for m1555G>A was performed in 61 patients. Results: Median age was 12.85 years and 52.1% (n = 63) were male. 18.2% (n = 22) of the patients had received parenteral AGs more than 5 courses/lifetime. Ototoxicity was detected in at least one of the tests in 56.2% (n = 68) of the patients. Only 10.7% (n = 13) of the patients had reported a symptom indicating ototoxicity. 30.3% (n = 30) of the patients had ototoxicity in the low exposure group, while it was 45.5% (n = 10) in the high exposure group according to EHF-PTA (p > 0.05). Median number of parenteral amikacin courses was significantly higher in the ototoxic group (2 [1.25–5.75] vs. 2 [1–3]; p = 0.045). No m1555A>G mutation was detected in 61 patients who screened for mitochondrial mutation analysis. Conclusion: As AG ototoxicity occurs primarily at high frequencies, EHF-PTA is important in early detecting ototoxicity. EHF-PTA and DPOAE detected ototoxicity in some patients with normal PTA results. All pwCF with a history of AG exposure should be evaluated for hearing loss since symptoms may only be noticed in the late period.

Role of Newborn Hearing Screening Done Over One Year in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is universally acknowledged as a critical early intervention to prevent adverse developmental outcomes caused by undetected hearing loss. Despite its proven benefits, the implementation of NHS varies, especially in tertiary care hospitals that manage high-risk neonates. This study investigates the effectiveness and implementation of NHS protocols in these settings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. All newborns delivered between January 2023 and December 2023 were included. Screening involved initial otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) tests, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) followed by brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) for those who failed.Data on demographic characteristics, screening results, and follow-up compliance were collected and analyzed. A total of 1,398 neonates were screened. Initial screeningresulted in 416 (29.7%) referrals. Follow-up screenings showed high compliance rates, with significant detections of hearing impairments through BERA. The screening was completed for 1,341 babies. Fifty-five babies were lost to follow-up. Of these, 2 babies (0.1%) with a high risk for hearing loss were diagnosed with bilateral severe hearing loss. The study also noted demographic factors such as kinship and obstetric history that might influence hearing loss risks. NHS plays a vital role in the early detection and management of hearing impairments, which is crucial for preventing negative impacts on a child's development. This study advocates for the systematic implementation of NHS protocols in all tertiary care hospitals, especially those serving high-risk neonates, to ensure optimal developmental outcomes.

Hearing Evaluations in Children With Retinoblastoma Treated With Intra-arterial Carboplatin Chemotherapy: A Single Institution Review.

To determine whether the administration of intra-arterial carboplatin affected the hearing of children with retinoblastoma. Children with retinoblastoma who were treated with intra-arterial carboplatin chemotherapy were included. Hearing tests before chemotherapy including tympanometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and audiogram (if achievable) were performed and repeated 3 to 9 months after concluding intra-arterial therapy. The study was approved by the institutional review board. Patients were identified from the retinoblastoma clinic when the treatment plan included intra-arterial carboplatin chemotherapy. Children were excluded if they had previous intra-arterial carboplatin or preexisting hearing loss but were included if they had systemic carboplatin and dosing was available. Tympanometry was performed to rule out inner ear fluid. All examinations were performed by a certified audiologist with the same equipment, calibrated regularly by a certified technician. Twenty-two children (32 eyes) were evaluable. Because most children are diagnosed at a young age and are unable to participate in an audiogram, distortion product otoacoustic emission measurement was the primary measurement. No child displayed hearing loss. Intra-arterial chemotherapy with carboplatin did not cause ototoxicity in any child by distortion product otoacoustic emission measurement in contrast to systemic chemotherapy where ototoxicity is common. Distortion product otoacoustic emission levels were essentially unchanged from before to after intra-arterial chemotherapy in children with retinoblastoma. These findings suggest that intra-arterial carboplatin does not affect outer hair cell function, and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests can provide useful information when monitoring children at risk of developing carboplatin ototoxicity. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2025;62(1):27-32.].

Harnessing Data-mining Algorithms to Model and Evaluate Factors Influencing Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Variations in a Mining Industry

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to gauge the condition of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in workers, followed by modeling and estimating the weight of factors affecting changes in their emissions. Methods: The present study comprises two main phases. In the first phase, the OAEs were assessed using the distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs) test. Furthermore, the occupational factors influencing fluctuations in OAEs, including sound exposure, frequency, age, work experience, and exposure time, were measured. In the second phase, the weight of the factors affecting OAEs was investigated using deep learning (DL) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. Results: The results of both algorithms showed that sound exposure had the greatest effect (weighting between 36% and 45%) on the changes in OAEs. Frequency, with a weight ranging from 19% to 25%, was recognized as the second factor impacting the changes in DPOAEs. Conversely, age had the slightest effect on OAEs (weighing between 6% and 11%). The results also showed that the DL algorithm had higher accuracy compared to the SVM algorithm. Conclusions: As a result of determining the weight of factors causing variations in OAEs, the allocation of resources for control measures and effective reduction will be accomplished more efficiently and accurately.

ELEKTROFIZJOLOGICZNE POMIARY UPOŚLEDZENIA SŁUCHU U NARAŻONYCH NA HAŁAS ŻOŁNIERZY ZE SŁUCHEM W NORMIE

IntroductionSome electrophysiological changes can occur in the auditory system in response to noise exposure with or without any permanent auditory threshold shift. The purpose of this study was to identify and measure cochlear function after noise exposure in individuals with normal hearing according to standard audiometric thresholds.Material and methodsPure tone audiometry (PTA) over the standard 0.250–8 kHz range and at 12 kHz, as well as distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, were performed on 42 soldiers who had participated in combat. A control group of 40 participants underwent the same tests.ResultsIn the noise-exposed group, significantly poorer PTA thresholds were recorded at 12 kHz. DPOAE levels were significantly low only at 4 kHz. On ABR testing, both wave I and wave V demonstrated a significant decrease in amplitude and a significant increase in latency for the noise-exposed group.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that high levels of noise can not only damage outer hair cells but also cause changes at the level of the synapses (synaptopathy) which are not evident using standard PTA tests. However, electrophysiological methods can detect some changes in cochlear function.

Audiological profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

South Africa shows a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes with reported association with auditory dysfunction. To describe the audiological profile of adults with this metabolic condition. Employing a descriptive research design, 35 individuals with type 2 diabetes, selected through purposive sampling, underwent a basic audiological assessment in addition to extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing and neurological auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. This study revealed a 31.4% prevalence of hearing loss with 81.8% being sensorineural in nature. Poor hearing thresholds were observed at 16 kHz (n= 19; 54.3%), 18 kHz (n= 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n= 30; 85.7%) in the right ear and at 16 kHz (n= 20; 57.1%), 18 kHz (n= 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n= 30; 85.7%) in the left ear. Absent DPOAEs were observed at 6 kHz (n= 20; 51.7%) and 8 kHz (n= 24; 68.6%) in the right ear and at 6 kHz (n= 17; 48.6%) and 8 kHz (n= 29; 82.9%) in the left ear, possibly indicating that type 2 diabetes specifically targets higher frequency hearing. The ABR results revealed a delayed absolute latency of wave III bilaterally (right ear -69%; left ear - 51%), suggesting an impact of this metabolic disease on retro-cochlear pathways. Hearing loss should be recognised as a comorbidity accompanying type 2 diabetes, which indicates the need for routine comprehensive audiological assessments to facilitate early detection and intervention.Contribution:The present findings have implications for audiology clinical protocols; diabetes related health policies and patient education.

Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on vertigo and hearing impairment: A post-recovery analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has manifested with respiratory symptoms and a spectrum of extra-pulmonary complications. Emerging evidence suggests potential impacts on the auditory and vestibular systems, but the extent and nature of these effects in recovered individuals remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of vertigo and hearing impairment in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and to identify potential risk factors associated with these sensory symptoms. A cohort of 250 recovered COVID-19 patients was assessed. Standardized questionnaires, including the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the Vertigo Symptom Scale, were used to evaluate vertigo. Hearing assessment was conducted using pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, and oto-acoustic emissions testing. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between COVID-19 severity and the occurrence of sensory symptoms, controlling for confounding variables such as age and comorbidities. Of the participants, 10% reported vertigo, varying severity. Hearing assessments revealed that most participants had normal hearing, with an average speech discrimination score of 94.6. Logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between severe COVID-19 and an increased likelihood of vertigo (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.02-4.35, P = .043) and hearing impairment (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.60-6.78, P = .002). This study suggests a significant association between COVID-19 severity and vertigo and hearing impairment prevalence. The findings underscore the importance of sensory symptom assessment in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19, highlighting the need for comprehensive healthcare approaches to manage long-term sequelae.

A retrospective study on hearing outcomes of infants of COVID-19 mothers pre-vaccination era

Background: A COVID-19 infection can result in a variety of symptoms. Findings must be carefully reviewed because there is still a dispute over the potential involvement of the audiovestibular system. Moreover, there is debate over the intrauterine transfer of COVID-19 infection from mother to fetus in pregnant people. There are not many investigations on the audiovestibular symptomatology of infants exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy. Aims and Objectives: This study looks at any potential links between the COVID-19 gestational infection and the start of hearing impairment in babies. The verification of hearing’s engagement in COVID-19 allows for the planning of the time and methods for children’s audiological evaluations. Materials and Methods: Newborns had audiological examination and screening for hearing loss. The automatic transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) test is used to evaluate newborns for hearing impairments before they are released from the hospital. By employing the COVID-19 case history, otoscopy, acoustic immittance test, transient evoked OAEs test, and mother, pregnancy, and perinatal case histories, an audiological examination is conducted on children under 3 months of age, with 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months of age follow-up. Results: The research comprised 100 children. Of these infants, 90% were part of the neonatal hearing screening initiative. Due to isolation protocols, the remaining 10 neonates did not undergo hearing screening; instead, a direct audiological examination was performed on them. Out of the 90 newborns that were tested, only 11 had a bilateral REFER test result, but the audiological examination revealed a normal hearing threshold. Conclusion: There is no data in this study that a mother’s COVID-19 infection results in hearing loss in newborn.

A retrospective study on hearing outcomes of infants of COVID-19 mothers pre-vaccination era

Background: A COVID-19 infection can result in a variety of symptoms. Findings must be carefully reviewed because there is still a dispute over the potential involvement of the audiovestibular system. Moreover, there is debate over the intrauterine transfer of COVID-19 infection from mother to fetus in pregnant people. There are not many investigations on the audiovestibular symptomatology of infants exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy. Aims and Objectives: This study looks at any potential links between the COVID-19 gestational infection and the start of hearing impairment in babies. The verification of hearing’s engagement in COVID-19 allows for the planning of the time and methods for children’s audiological evaluations. Materials and Methods: Newborns had audiological examination and screening for hearing loss. The automatic transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) test is used to evaluate newborns for hearing impairments before they are released from the hospital. By employing the COVID-19 case history, otoscopy, acoustic immittance test, transient evoked OAEs test, and mother, pregnancy, and perinatal case histories, an audiological examination is conducted on children under 3 months of age, with 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months of age follow-up. Results: The research comprised 100 children. Of these infants, 90% were part of the neonatal hearing screening initiative. Due to isolation protocols, the remaining 10 neonates did not undergo hearing screening; instead, a direct audiological examination was performed on them. Out of the 90 newborns that were tested, only 11 had a bilateral REFER test result, but the audiological examination revealed a normal hearing threshold. Conclusion: There is no data in this study that a mother’s COVID-19 infection results in hearing loss in newborn.

The effect of tympanostomy tubes on otoacoustic emissions.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are a common screening tool to evaluate cochlear function. Middle ear dysfunction has been shown to impact results of otoacoustic emission testing, but there are limited data on the effect of tympanostomy tubes on OAE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tympanostomy tube placement significantly improved OAE. A retrospective review of charts was completed for patients younger than 18years old who underwent tympanostomy tube placement from January 1, 2018 to September 1, 2023 and had preoperative and postoperative OAE testing within 6months of surgery. The primary variable was presence of OAE preoperatively and postoperatively. Chi-square analysis and t test were used for statistical analysis. A total of 212 ears were examined from 111 pediatric patients who underwent tympanostomy tube placement during the study period. Presence of OAE at 3000, 4000, and 5000Hz were all noted to significantly increase following tympanostomy tube placement, with OAE presence increasing from approximately 27.8% of the sample preoperatively to 95.3% postoperatively at 3000 and 4000Hz. Patients who noted improvement had a significantly higher proportion of type B tympanogram preoperatively, compared to a higher proportion of type A tympanogram noted in patients who did not note improvement. Tympanostomy tubes can significantly improve otoacoustic emissions in patients with middle ear dysfunction.

Comparison of Intratympanic Oxytocin and Dexamethasone in Cisplatin Ototoxicity: An Experimental Study.

Although it is widely used, there is still no valid treatment for ototoxicity caused by the antineoplastic drug cisplatin. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of intratympanic resveratrol and intratympanic dexamethasone treatment in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. We also compared intratympanic atosiban (oxytocin antagonist) and oxytocin in cisplatin ototoxicity. In this study, 30 rats (60 ears) were used by separating into 5 groups. Cisplatin, oxytocin, dexamethasone, atosiban and 0.9% NaCl were administered intraperitoneally to all groups separately. Auditory Brainstem Response and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission tests were performed on all groups before and 72h after the procedure. Pre-treatment values were higher than post-treatment values in all groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant prolongation of the post-treatment Auditory Brainstem Response I-IV interval in the oxytocin and dexamethasone groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant decrease in the frequencies of 2832 and 4004 after treatment in the oxytocin and dexamethasone group compared to pre-treatment in Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission. As a result, it has been shown that intratympanic oxytocin may be an option that can be used in the treatment, although it is not as effective as dexamethasone in preventing cisplatin ototoxicity.

Effectiveness of an indigenous Amazonian regional kit in neonatal auditory screening in Belém do Pará

Hearing loss can occur at different physiological levels and degrees, primarily affecting children. Law No. 12,303/2010, known as the ‘Otoacoustic Emissions Test Law,’ requires newborns to undergo auditory screening. Different non-calibrated sound instruments can be used to perform behavioral auditory screening: plastic harmonica, spoon tapping on a cup, rubber toys, drums, straw maracas, and gourd maracas, with the latter three being of indigenous origin. The objective of this study is to verify the effectiveness of an indigenous Amazonian regional kit in neonatal behavioral auditory screening in Belém do Pará. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted for this purpose. The evaluated auditory kit with regional instruments proved to be effective, assessing the newborn’s main reflexes. It also demonstrated the simplicity of a detection method and the feasibility of its inclusion in routine neonatal screening methods, enabling the early diagnosis and monitoring of deafness in newborns, which can be presented as an alternative, especially in locations that do not have traditional equipment.