Results Of Newborn Hearing Screening Research Articles

Gestational diabetes mellitus and the hearing of newborns:A nested case-control study in tropical province of China

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the results of newborn hearing screening(NHS). MethodsA nested case-control study was conducted in a cohort of newborns who were born between June 2021 to December 2021 and underwent neonatal hearing screening.GDM was diagnosed according to the 75 g 2 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 gestational weeks.A total of 369 pregnant women at the same hospital were individually matched in a 1:2 ratio by maternal age (±2 years), gestational age (±3 days) and sex of newborn.Chi-square test was utilized to evaluate associations between GDM and the results of NHS. ResultsAbnormal NHS results in the GDM group was more frequent than non-GDM group.When comparing the two groups (GDM case and contol), we found significant differences (p < 0.05) between them.Whereas the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) by delivery modes in both case and control groups. ConclusionMaternal history of GDM could lead to significantly higher failling rate of NHS.

Impact of national health insurance and socioeconomic disparities on newborn hearing screening performance in South Korea: A nationwide population-based evaluation

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the impact of national health insurance coverage on newborn hearing screening (NHS) outcomes by analyzing hearing questionnaires from the National Infant Health Check-up Program (NIHCP) in South Korea. MethodsThis study evaluated the performance and referral rates of NHS using nationwide data from 814,875 infants enrolled in the 4-month NIHCP from January 2017 to December 2019. This period encompasses the periods before and after the National Health Insurance in South Korea began covering NHS expenses in October 2018. The study also investigated household income levels to determine their relationship with participation in the NIHCP and NHS outcomes. ResultsThe performance of NIHCP increased year-on-year, with NHS performance rates increasing from 88.5 % in 2017 to 91.5 % in 2019. Analysis by household income level revealed that the medical benefit recipients’ group had the lowest NHS performance rate of 81.9 % in 2019, whereas that of the higher income level group exceeded 90 %. The NHS referral rate remained consistent at 0.9 % nationally during the study period. ConclusionThe inclusion of NHS in national insurance coverage positively influenced its performance rates across South Korea. Nevertheless, the data indicate the need for more focused and customized support for low-income families to enhance early hearing detection and interventions in newborns and infants.

Newborn Hearing Screening and Beyond: A Continuing Journey in the Philippines

Newborn Hearing Screening and Beyond: A Continuing Journey in the Philippines

Disparities in Newborn Hearing Screening Outcomes in the United StatesFrom 2007 to 2017.

Establishing timely language intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing is crucial for their cognitive and language development. Newborn hearing screening (NBHS) programs are now commonplace, but disparities in receipt of support may exist. This study seeks to investigate if states with more diverse populations, less educated mothers, fewer resources, and no legislative mandate of screening have lower rates of milestone completion. This is a cross-sectional study. Data describing screening, identification, and intervention rates from individual state NBHS programs were aggregated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2007 to 2017. Regression models were fitted to assess associations between these outcomes and state demographic and policy variables. Forest plots from meta-analyses were used to obtain nationwide pooled estimates of the relative risk (RR) of maternal predictors from individual state data. State averages of maternal education level, age, and race/ethnicity were found to be significantly associated with various outcomes. The presence of program funding and legislative state mandate were associated with multiple improved outcomes. Meta-analyses identified increased RRs for most outcomes based on maternal education less than high school, age 19 and below, and non-White race/ethnicity. There is evidence of disparities in access to and timing of screening, identification testing, and intervention by various demographic and policy factors at the state level. More research is needed to further explore these relationships and determine how to address existing disparities in order to provide more equitable care.

Analysis of genotypes on 850 newborns with SLC26A4 single-allele mutation and the phenotypes of those with second variant

Objective: To clarify the phenotypes of the newborns with SLC26A4 single-allele mutation in deafness genetic screening and second variant; to analyze the SLC26A4 genotype and hearing phenotype. Methods: 850 newborns born in Beijing from April 2015 to December 2019 were included and there were 468 males and 382 females. They received genetic deafness screening for 9 or 15 variants, with the result of SLC26A4 single-allele mutation. Firstly, three step deafness gene sequencing was adopted in this work, i.e., the first step was "SLC26A4 gene whole exons and splice sites" sequencing; the second step was "SLC26A4 gene promoter, FOXI1 gene and KCNJ10 gene whole exons" sequencing; and the third step was detection for "SLC26A4 gene copy number variation". Secondly, we collected the results of newborn hearing screening for all patients with the second mutation found in the three step test, and conducted audiological examinations, such as acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response. Thirdly, for novel/VUS mutations, we searched the international deafness gene database or software, such as DVD, ClinVar and Mutation Taster, to predict the pathogenicity of mutations according to the ACMG guideline. Lastly, we analyzed the relationship between genotype and phenotype of newborns with SLC26A4 single allele mutation. Results: Among 850 cases, the median age of diagnosis was 4 months. In the first step, 850 cases were sequenced. A total of 32 cases (3.76%, 32/850) of a second variants were detected, including 18 cases (2.12%, 18/850) with identified pathogenic variants; 832 cases were sequenced and 8 cases of KCNJ10 gene missense variants were detected among the second step. No missense mutations in the FOXI1 gene and abnormal SLC26A4 gene promoter were detected; the third step sequencing results were all negative. Genotypes and hearing phenotypes included 18 cases combined with the second clear pathogenic variant, 16 cases (16/18) referred newborn hearing screening and 2 cases (2/18) passed in both ears; degree of hearing loss consisted of 18 profound ears (18/36), 13 severe ears (13/36) and 5 moderate ears (5/36); audiogram patterns comprised 17 high frequency drop ears (17/36), 14 flat ears (14/36), 3 undistinguished ears (3/36), and 2 U shaped ears (2/36); 11 cases underwent imaging examination, all of which were bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct. As for 22 cases of other genotypes, all passed neonatal hearing screening and the hearing diagnosis was normal, including 9 cases with VUS or possibly novel benign variants, 8 cases with KCNJ10 double gene heterozygous variants, and 5 cases with double heterozygous variants. Conclusions: The probability of individuals with SLC26A4 single-allele variant who merge with a second pathogenic variant is 2.12%, all of which are SNV, which can provide scientific basis for the genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling of SLC26A4 variants. Those who have merged with second pathogenic variant are all diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with KCNJ10 gene mutations do not manifest hearing loss during the infancy, suggesting the need for further follow-up.

Status of the Newborn Hearing Screening in the 4-Months Age National Infant Health Checkup in Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

The aims of this study are to review data on 4-months age National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSPIC) using a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, and to analyze the newborn hearing screening (NHS) results and related characteristics of the 4-months NHSPIC for 7 years in South Korea. We analyzed a NHIS database of infants who had participated in the 4-month age NHSPIC from 2010 to 2016. According to the results of hearing questionnaires and physical examination, we analyzed the outcomes of NHS and related infantile and socioeconomic factors. Among 3,128,924 of total eligible infants in Korea between the year 2010 and 2016, 69.2% (2,164,621 infants) conducted 4-months age NHSPIC, and 94.4% (2,042,577 infants) of which performed hearing questionnaires regarding NHS. Among the total hearing examinees, premature infants accounted for 3.6%, infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for more than 5 days accounted for 5.6%, and infants with head and neck abnormalities were 0.6%. The NHS performing rate was 79.1% for total hearing examinees in 2010, but gradually increased to 88.9% in 2016. The NHS performing rate in 2016 was 93.4% for premature infants, 91.7% for NICU hospitalized babies. The mean referral rate was 0.6% for total hearing examinees, 1.4% for premature infants, and 2.3% for NICU hospitalized babies. When we analyzed the NHS performing rate and the referral rate according to the household income level, the NHS performing rate of infants in Medical Aid programs was the lowest as 65.6%, and the NHS performing rates in other five levels of NHIS was higher ranging between 85.1% to 86.0%. The referral rate of infants in the Medical Aid program (3.8%) was significantly higher than those of infants in other classes (1.10-1.25%). The estimated overall NHS performing rate in Korea gradually increased and was 88.9% in 2016. The overall referral rate was low as 0.6%, and it was significantly different depending on the infant's health condition and household income levels. We assume that our finding would help to establish policies managing hearing impaired children, and to develop the customized hearing care service programs considering the household economic levels.

Is Gestational COVID-19 a Risk Factor for Congenital Hearing Loss?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether COVID-19 during pregnancy is a risk factor for congenital hearing loss. Retrospective cohort. Tertiary referral center. Hearing screening test results of 60,223 newborns between March 2020 and May 2021 were screened using the national database. Newborn babies of 570 pregnant women with positive COVID-19 PCR test during pregnancy who met the study criteria were included in the gestational COVID-19 group, and 570 healthy newborns born in the same period were included in the control group. Diagnostic. Results of up to three automatic auditory brainstem response tests in the first 30 days of life were used for newborn hearing screening. When the gestational COVID-19 and control groups were compared in terms of demographic data, there was no statistically significant difference for any of the variables (maternal age, gestational age, birth weight, neonate gender, mode of delivery, p > 0.05 for all variables). Of the mothers in the gestational COVID-19 group, 62 (10.9%) had COVID-19 in the first trimester, 181 (31.8%) in the second trimester, and 327 (57.3%) in the third trimester. When the first and second test results of newborn hearing screening were compared between the groups, the number of babies with hearing loss was higher in the gestational COVID-19 group than in the control group (p = 0.025; odds ratio, 1.357; 95% confidence interval, 1.039-1.774; p = 0.006; odds ratio, 4.924; 95% confidence interval, 1.410-17.193, respectively). For the third test results, hearing loss was detected in only one baby in both groups (p = 0.284). When the first, second, and third test results for newborn hearing screening were compared according to the trimesters when COVID-19 positivity was identified, the difference between trimesters was not found to be statistically significant (p > 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study in the literature of the impact of COVID-19 on newborn hearing. The findings in the study suggest that gestational COVID-19 is not a risk factor for permanent congenital hearing loss. However, because the risk of detecting hearing loss is high in the first 15 days, we emphasize the importance of the third screening test.

Otoacoustic Emission Hearing Screening of Newborns In Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine outcomes of new-born hearing screening and identify possible causes of hearing loss in NICU Admissions.Method: The research is a cross sectional study of new born screening conducted on all consenting consecutive new- born who are healthy and seen at the post-delivery ward, and NICU outpatient department of KBTH. Associations or differences in variables were examined using chi-squared test. P-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 483 babies were screened during the period. The incidence of hearing loss in the new-born was 7.2%. More than half of the new-born were 4 weeks or less weeks (n=254, 52.6%) and the rest were greater than 4 weeks (n=229, 47.4%). The mean age (±SD) of the new-born are 3.94 (±2.09) and 3.80 (±2.16) weeks in the admitted and not admitted group respectively. It was revealed that 27% of the babies were admitted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of prematurity and Macrosomia (from diabetic mothers) respectively. Among the babies that were admitted, 7 failed the OAE and 101 passed. In the not admitted group, 28 failed OAE test and the rest passed (n=347). This study revealed that, there was no statistically significant association of hearing loss between babies admitted to NICU and Non-NICU babies (p= 0.728).Conclusions: The incidence of hearing loss among the new-born was 7.2% and the main reason for NICU admission are prematurity, big baby, Birth asphyxia, neonatal jaundice, neonatal sepsis, small baby and vacuum delivery. There is no statistically significantassociation between these different group babies with hearing loss.

Magnitude and Factors Associated with Refer Results of Newborn Hearing Screening at Academic Tertiary Level Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background Hearing impairment is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Early identification and early intervention of hearing loss can prevent further disability in the development of speech, language, cognition, and other developmental domains. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and factors associated with the refer results of newborn hearing screening at an academic tertiary hospital. Methods An institution-based time series cross-sectional study was conducted with a calculated sample size of 368 newborns selected by systemic random sampling from a total of 2087 newborns born in SPHMMC during the study period. Two stage screening protocol was conducted using Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) on the first, followed by TEOAE and Auditory Brainstem Reflex (ABR) as a second stage for newborns with refer results. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Bivariate and multivariate analyses between dependent and independent variables were performed using binary logistic regression with a significance level of P value <0.05. Result Of the total sample size of 368 newborns, 62% (228) passed the first TEOAE and 38% (140) yielded refer results. From 121 who came for follow-up screening (6–28 days), 49.5% (60) passed the second TEOAE and 50.5% (61) had refer results. AABR screening of 61 newborns yielded pass in 11.5% (7) and refer result in 88.5% (54) newborns. Noise (AOR= 4.746, 95% CI 2.505–8.992, P < 0.001), vernix caseosa (AOR= 19.745, 95% CI 9.057–43.043, P < 0.001), and very low birth weight (AOR= 4.338, 95% CI 1.338–14.067, P=0.015) were found to be significantly associated with the refer rate of the first TEOAE test. Noise (AOR 39.445, 95% CI 5.974–260.467, P < 0.001) and neonatal jaundice (AOR 21.633, 95% CI 1.540–303.994, P=0.023) were significantly associated with the follow-up screening refer result of TEOAE. Repeat TEOAE has decreased the refer rate from 38.0% (140/368) to 17.5% (61/349), 19 of which were lost to follow-up. AABR has decreased the overall refer rate from 17.5% to 15.5% (54/349). Conclusion This study shows a significant number of newborns (15.5%) who need diagnostic audiologic work-up and may need intervention. Vernix caseosa and noise are avoidable factors, but newborns with jaundice and very low birth weight should be sent to ENT for screening.

An evaluation of newborn hearing screening brochures and parental understanding of screening result terminology

Objective To assess the suitability of newborn hearing screening brochures by evaluating current state-level brochures and pregnant people’s understanding of screening result terminology. Design In Study 1, state-level brochures were evaluated based on readability, design, picture appropriateness, and use of the word “refer.” In Study 2, pregnant people completed a questionnaire that queried their understanding of and expected anxiety about three newborn hearing screening outcomes (“refer,” “did not pass,” and “pass”). Study sample In Study 1, 59 newborn hearing screening brochures were analysed. In Study 2, 43 pregnant people completed surveys during a prenatal appointment. Results Most of the brochures were found deficient on at least one element. Thirty percent of brochures used the word “refer” to indicate a hearing screening failure; yet, fewer than half of participants understood its meaning. Ratings of expected anxiety were highest in response to the term “did not pass.” Conclusions Based on four study criteria of brochure suitability, 88% of available state-level newborn hearing screening brochures should be modified to make them readily understandable by a broad educational demographic. Discretion in use of the term “refer” should be made when indicating screening results, because the term is not readily understood.

Hearing Instability in Children with Congenital Cytomegalovirus: Evidence and Neural Consequences.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common sequela of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), potentially exacerbating neurocognitive delay. The objectives of this study were to assess: (1) age at which SNHL in children with cCMV; (2) stimulability of the auditory system in children with cCMV following cochlear implantation (CI); and (3) whether features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) potentially are predictive of hearing outcomes. In this retrospective study of a prospectively acquired cohort, 123 children with cCMV who were referred for hearing loss at a single tertiary referral hospital over 20 years were compared with an unmatched comparative group of 90 children with GJB2-related deafness. Outcome measures were results of newborn hearing screening (NHS), behavioral audiograms, and, in a subgroup of cochlear implant (CI) users, responses from the auditory nerve and brainstem evoked by CI at initial activation, as well as lesional volume of FLAIR-hyperintense signal alterations on MRI. All but 3 of 123 children with cCMV had confirmed and persistent SNHL. At birth, 113 children with cCMV underwent NHS, 31 (27%) passed in both ears and 23 (20%) passed in one ear (no NHS data in 10 children). At the first audiologic assessment, 32 of 123 (26%) had normal hearing bilaterally; 35 of 123 (28%) had unilateral SNHL; and 57 of 123 (46%) had bilateral SNHL. More than half (67 of 123, 54%) experienced hearing deterioration in at least one ear. Survival analyses suggested that 60% of children who developed SNHL did so by 2.5 years and 80% by 5 years. In the children who passed NHS in one or both ears, 50% developed hearing loss by 3.5 years in the ear, which passed unilaterally (n=23 ears), and 50% by 5 years in bilateral passes (n=62 ears). Hearing loss was significant enough in all but one child with isolated high-frequency loss for rehabilitation to be indicated. Hearing thresholds in individual ears were in the CI range in 83% (102 of 123), although duration of deafness was sufficient to preclude implantation at our center in 13 children with unilateral SNHL. Hearing aids were indicated in 16% (20 of 123). Responses from the auditory nerve and brainstem to initial CI stimulation were similar in children with cCMV-related SNHL compared with GJB2-related SNHL. Characteristic white matter changes on MRI were seen in all children with cCMV-related SNHL (n=91), but the lesion volume in each cortical hemisphere did not predict degree of SNHL. cCMV-related SNHL is often not detected by NHS but occurs with high prevalence in early childhood. Electrophysiological measures suggest equivalent stimulability of the auditory nerve and brainstem with CI in children with cCMV and GJB2-related SNHL. Hyperintense white matter lesions on FLAIR MRI are consistently present in children with cCMV-related SNHL but cannot be used to predict its time course or degree. Combined, the data show early and rapid deterioration of hearing in children with cCMV-related SNHL with potential for good CI outcomes if SNHL is identified and managed without delay. Findings support universal newborn screening for cCMV followed by careful audiological monitoring. 3 Laryngoscope, 132:S1-S24, 2022.

Middle-ear effusion in children with cleft palate: congenital or acquired?

Cleft palates are one of the most common congenital malformations. Because of the loss of Eustachian tube function, middle-ear ventilation is reduced. The aim of this study was to determine if middle-ear effusions were present at birth or at the three-month audiological evaluation. A total of 53 children with a cleft palate were included. Data review included the results of newborn hearing screening, microscopic findings, a tympanometry, a free field audiometry and intra-operative findings. A total of 58.4 per cent of patients had a median, 26.4 per cent had a bilateral, 11.3 per cent had a unilateral and 3.8 per cent had a limited soft palate cleft. Newborn hearing screening showed a pass in 83.1 per cent of newborns bilaterally. The first ear microscopy showed a bilateral middle-ear effusion in 90.6 per cent of cases. During cleft surgery, bilateral paracentesis was performed in all cases, and in 90.6 per cent middle-ear effusion was sucked out. The majority of children with a cleft palate do not present with middle-ear effusion at birth. It develops within several days or weeks of life.

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.

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.

Results of Newborn Hearing Screening in Sakarya

Amaç: Kalıcı işitme kaybı en sık görülen konjenital hastalıklardan biridir. İnsidansının bin canlı doğumda 1-3 arasında olduğu düşünülmektedir. Tarama yapılmazsa işitme kaybının en erken 2 yaşında anlaşılabildiği ve bunun da çocuğun gelişimi için oldukça kötü sonuçlar doğurduğu bildirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada Sakarya ilindeki hastanelerde 2018 yılında yapılan tüm yenidoğan işitme taramalarının değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Araştırma Sakarya İlindeki hastanelerde 2018 yılında yapılan yenidoğan işitme taramalarını kapsamaktadır. Toplam 15235 yenidoğana ilk tarama testi yapılmıştır. Bulgular:Sakarya ilinde 2018 yılında 15235 bebeğe işitme taraması yapılmıştır. İlk tarama testini bebeklerin %33,7’si geçememiştir. İkinci tarama testine alınan 5135 bebeğin 131’i ikinci tarama testini de geçemediği için ileri tetkik ve tedavilerinin yapılması için referans hastaneye sevki yapılmıştır. Sonuç:İlk taramanın tüm hastanelerde standart yapılamaması tarama programının başarısındaki en önemli engellerden biridir. Hastanelerin bu konuda sertifikalandırılması ve taramadan kalan bebek sıklıklarının düzenli takip edilmesinin programı daha başarılı kılacağını düşünmekteyiz.

Outcomes of newborn hearing screening at an academic secondary level hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BackgroundThe Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) issued early hearing detection and intervention guidelines, which has universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) as one of the important goals. Despite established evidence of the importance of UNHS globally, there has been no mandated formalised and standardised implementation as yet in South Africa.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of newborn hearing screening (NHS) in an academic secondary level hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.MethodsThis was a prospective non-experimental feasibility study over a 3-month period, involving conducting hearing screening of 121 neonates. Audiologists conducted a risk factor assessment, otoscopic examinations and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) screening on each neonate, with follow-up appointments for re-screening and diagnostic audiological assessments for all neonates with refer findings. Data were analysed using STATA intercooled version 11©, through both descriptive and inferential statistics (Fisher’s exact test), with significance established where p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 121 neonates screened, the majority (75%) were screened in the first 24 h of life. A high refer rate (47%) of the total sample was found on DPOAE screening. No maternal or neonatal risk factors were found to be significantly associated with refer findings.ConclusionFindings contribute towards the existing evidence base that raises implications for successful implementation of NHS programmes in public healthcare in South Africa. Screening protocols need to consider the timing of screening, the measures and procedures adopted in the screening protocols, as well as the follow-up strategies.

Results of Newborn Hearing Screening, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital

The Anatolian Journal of Family Medicine is an international periodical on family medicine and primary health care, published three times a year on independent, unbiased, double-blinded and peer-review principles.

Delivery Route and the Outcome of Newborn Hearing Screening of Full-Term Neonates Born in a Public Maternal-Infant Hospital in the South of Brazil.

Introduction The newborn hearing screening (NHS) is the most effective strategy for detecting newborns and infants suspected to have hearing loss. Objective To verify possible associations between the route of delivery and the results of the NHS conducted at 3 independent times (24, 36, and 36 hours with a facilitator auricular maneuver [FAM]) in the lives of full-term newborns. Methods A descriptive, observational, prospective study performed with a sample of 462 newborns, with a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, without risk indicators of hearing loss. The NHS was conducted as a routine element of the facilities, two times: at 24 and 36 hours of life. In the presence of a “failure” in the last test, a new one was immediately performed, following the FAM. Statistic analyses were carried out on the program SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Of the 462 newborns assessed, 304 (65.80%) were born by vaginal delivery. There was a statistical significance of “pass” in the NHS for the 24-hour evaluation ( p ≤ 0.001 for a vaginal delivery and p = 0.002 for a cesarean delivery), with the prevalence of the “pass” index being higher when the baby's lifespan was greater. A statistically significant difference was not observed when the NHS results were compared by taking into account the babies' routes of delivery and the different times of life. Conclusion These findings show that full-term babies who were born by cesarean did not show more “failure” in the NHS results, contradicting the hypothesis of the study. Furthermore, to reduce the false-negative rates, regardless of the route of delivery, this assessment should be conducted after the first 24 hours of the newborns' life.

Methods of Tracking Newborns: New York State Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry, 2015-2017.

Objectives. To describe methods employed to track infants enrolled in the New York State Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry (NYSZPIR) and demonstrate the benefits of population databases to improve the process.Methods. We used patient medical records and provider outreach, New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), and New York State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Information System (NYEHDI-IS) to gather medical information. We used descriptive statistics to summarize variables and the McNemar test to determine statistical significance (P < .05).Results. We identified 109 live births from NYSZPIR mothers. Provider information was documented for 106 (97.2%) infants in NYSIIS compared with 72 (66.1%) through chart review. Collected results of newborn hearing screening increased from 82 (75.2%) to 106 (97.2%) using NYEHDI-IS. The amount of data obtained was significantly higher (P < .001) when including NYSIIS and NYEHDI-IS compared with using medical records alone.Conclusions. Public health surveillance systems can be used to track infants using data sources such as NYSIIS and NYEHDI-IS in addition to traditional methods. Using medical records alone is inadequate for locating and tracking infants and may result in high lost to follow-up rates.