Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions Test Research Articles

Analysis of audiological outcomes of children referred from a universal newborn hearing screening program over 9 years in Beijing, China

Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) and audiological diagnosis are crucial for children with congenital hearing loss (HL). The objective of this study was to analyze hearing screening techniques, audiological outcomes and risk factors among children referred from a UNHS program in Beijing. A retrospective analysis was performed in children who were referred to our hospital after failing UNHS during a 9-year period. A series of audiological diagnostic tests were administered to each case, to confirm and determine the type and degree of HL. Risk factors for HL were collected. Of 1839 cases, 53.0% were referred after only transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) testing, 46.1% were screened by a combination of TEOAE and automatic auditory brainstem response (AABR) testing, and 1.0% were referred after only AABR testing. HL was confirmed in 55.7% of cases. Ears with screening results that led to referral experienced a more severe degree of HL than those with results that passed. Risk factors for HL were identified in 113 (6.1%) cases. The main risk factors included craniofacial anomalies (2.7%), length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit longer than 5 days (2.4%) and birth weight less than 1500 g (0.8%). The statistical data showed that age (P < 0.001) and risk factors, including craniofacial anomalies (P < 0.001) and low birth weight (P = 0.048), were associated with the presence of HL. This study suggested that hearing screening plays an important role in the early detection of HL and that children with risk factors should be closely monitored.

Neonatal hearing screening - does failure in TEOAE screening matter when the AABR test is passed?

PurposeNewborns who fail the transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) but pass the automatic auditory brainstem response (AABR) in universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS), frequently have no further diagnostic test or follow-up. The present study aimed to investigate whether hearing loss might be missed by ignoring neonatal TEOAE failure in the presence of normal AABR.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted in newborns presenting between 2017 and 2021 to a tertiary referral centre due to failure in the initial UNHS. The main focus was on infants who failed TEOAE tests, but passed AABR screening. The clinical characteristics and audiometric outcomes were analysed and compared with those of other neonates.ResultsAmong 1,095 referred newborns, 253 (23%) failed TEOAE despite passing AABR screening. Of the 253 affected infants, 154 returned for follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, 46 (28%) achieved normal audiometric results. 32 (21%) infants had permanent hearing loss (HL) confirmed by diagnostic ABR, 58 (38%) infants had HL solely due to middle ear effusion (MEE), and for 18 (12%) infants HL was suspected without further differentiation. The majority of permanent HL was mild (78% mild vs. 13% moderate vs. 9% profound). The rate of spontaneous MEE clearance was rather low (29%) leading to early surgical intervention in 36 children. The profile of the risk factors for hearing impairment was similar to that of newborns with failure in both, TEOAE and AABR; however, there was a stronger association between the presence of risk factors and the incidence of HL (relative risk 1.55 vs. 1.06; odds ratio 3.61 vs. 1.80).ConclusionIn newborns, the discordance between a “refer” in TEOAE and a “pass” in AABR screening is associated with a substantial prevalence of hearing impairment at follow-up, especially in the presence of risk factors.

Relationship between Hearing Loss Risk Factors and Hearing Screening Results in Newborns: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Congenital hearing loss can have a long-term impact on children’s speech and communication abilities. Early detection and intervention of hearing loss are important in newborns. It is well known that there are several risk factors for hearing loss; however, the relationship between these risk factors and hearing screening tests remains uncertain in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between hearing loss risk factors and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) and Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) within the Iranian context. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 9622 newborns (4643 females and 4979 males) in Iran. The data related to newborn hearing screening, including gender, the results of initial hearing screening, and hearing loss risk factors, were extracted from newborns’ record files. Data were analyzed using SPSS and a significant level was 0.05%. 190 (3.45%) newborns were referred to the screening. Fourteen newborns were diagnosed with hearing loss (prevalence of hearing loss = 1.45 per 1000) and 9 had one or more risk factors. There was a strong relationship between NICU admission, hyperbilirubinemia, family history of hearing loss, and consanguineous marriage with hearing screening test results (P &lt; 0.05). Among risk factors investigated in this study, hyperbilirubinemia, family history of hearing loss, and intrauterine infections were not significantly correlated with TEOAEs results (P &gt; 0.05). In contrast, they were significantly correlated with AABR results and the lowest OR was for prematurity and the highest for family history of hearing loss. Hyperbilirubinemia, family history of hearing loss, and intrauterine infections were the most significantly correlated risk factors with AABR and family history of hearing loss could be considered as a risk factor that most often leads to AABR failure results in Iran. So, Iranian clinicians, specifically, should ask parents to ask their relatives about any history of hearing loss or other health conditions that may affect their child's health. The findings also provide further evidence supporting the effectiveness of the newborn hearing screening protocols within the Iranian context, which recommend using AABR and TEOAEs tests for infants with risk factors for 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.

Hearing Outcomes of Infants Born to Mothers With Active COVID-19 Infection.

IntroductionCOVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. A major concern of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women is vertical maternal-fetal transmission and the ramifications on infant hearing. This retrospective study aims to investigate whether perinatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 has an impact on the hearing of the offspring.MaterialsThe study population included neonates born to unvaccinated COVID-19 positive mothers in the University Hospital of Patras, Greece from March 2020 to January 2021. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed on the neonates on the first, second,, and seventh day of life. All neonates underwent transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) within the first three months of life and were all examined at the age of nine months.ResultsThirty-two neonates (21 male) were born within the study period and all were transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Their mean (SD) gestational age was 36.9 (+2.23) weeks and their birth weight was 2,943 (+537) g. Nine of them were preterm and six of them had a low birth weight. Apgar scores calculated at 1’ and 5’, were in the normal range for 31 (97%) out of 32 neonates. One infant required urgent intubation at birth with an Apgar score of 1’ 3 and 5’ 4. Four neonates required mechanical ventilatory support, two neonates required nasal CPAP and eight neonates required supplementary oxygen. All infants were negative for TORCH infections.PCR tests were performed within the first day of life and repeated at 48 hours and on the seventh day of life. All PCR tests came back negative. Out of 32 neonates, seven failed the TEOAE test and were tested again a month later with a positive outcome. At nine months of follow-up, all 32 infants passed the TEOAE test.ConclusionIn conclusion, in our study, there was no evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mothers infected during the third trimester or hearing impairment of the offspring.

OAE IN DETECTING INTRACOCHLEAR INJURY IN ACUTE HEAD TRAUMA

This is a prospective study conducted on patients with acute head injury attending outpatient department and emergency room of Silchar Medical College and Hospital.A total of 11 cases of diagnosed head injury with history of loss of consciousness or reduced GCS score following the injury were selected for this study. Patients with history of ear disease, gross intra cerebral trauma and GCS below 9 were excluded from this study. Transient Evoked Oto-Acoustic Emission test (TEOAE) was performed in the patients along with audiometry. Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAEs) are sound waves produced by the normal cochlea. They may be spontaneous or evoked OAE. When evoked Oto-Acoustic Emissions are absent, and in the absence of middle ear pathology, it indicates damage to the cochlea. Findings in this study were noted and compared with the hearing status of the patient as well as the GCS score at the time of presentation and mode of injury.

Hearing status of people occupationally exposed to ultrasonic noise.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the hearing status of operators of low-frequency ultrasonic devices compared to employees exposed to audible noise at a similar A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) but without ultrasonic components. Standard pure-tone audiometry, extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA), transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), as well as questionnaire surveys were conducted among 148 subjects, aged 43.1±10.8 years, working as ultrasonic device operators for 18.7±10.6 years. Their exposure to noise within the ultrasonic and audible frequency range was also evaluated. The control group comprised 168 workers, adjusted according to gender, age (±2 years), tenure (±2 years), and the 8-hour daily noise exposure level (LEX,8h) of ±2 dB. The ultrasonic device operators and the control group were exposed to audible noise at LEX,8h of 80.8±3.9 dB and 79.1±3.4, respectively. The Polish maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for audible noise were exceeded in 16.8% of the ultrasonic device operators, while 91.2% of them were exposed to ultrasonic noise at SPL>MAI values. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the hearing threshold levels (HTLs) up to 3 kHz, while the ultrasonic device operators exhibited significantly higher (worse) HTLs, as compared to the control group, in the range of 4-14 kHz. The results of the DPOAE and TEOAE testing also indicated worse hearing among the ultrasonic device operators. However, the differences between the groups were more pronounced in the case of EHFA and DPOAEs. The outcomes of all hearing tests consistently indicated worse hearing among the ultrasonic device operators as compared to the control group. Both EHFA and DPOAE seem to be useful tools for recognizing early signs of hearing loss among ultrasonic device operators. nt J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(3):309-25.

Does SARS-CoV-2 affect cochlear functions in children?

Objectives:To determine the influence of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) on cochlear tasks of children who had COVID-19 previously, and the relevance among disease seriousness and cochlear involvement by otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).Methods:The study included 24 hospitalized children after COVID-19 diagnosis, 23 pediatrics that received outpatient treatment, and 21 children who were without COVID-19 diagnosis as the control group between June 2021 and July 2021. Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE), distortion product otoacoustic emission, and contrlateral suppression of otoacoustic emission measurements were carried out for each child. Symptoms of patients, the treatments they received, and the duration of hospitalization of the children in the hospitalized group were recorded.Results:The comparison of TEOAE test results under masking showed a considerable difference between 3 groups at 1 kHz (p=0.033) and 4 kHz (p=0.021) frequencies (p<0.05). Distortion product otoacoustic emission test results of hospitalized outpatient and control group showed a statistically significant difference at 2 kHz among themselves (p=0.009).Conclusion:Our results suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may influence the medial olivocochlear system of children and have irreversible effects on the cochlear functions. Early detection of problems that may affect cochlear functions is a special critical task, especially in children, who are a particularly vulnerable group in terms of hearing and related speech problems.

Comparison of pure tone audiometry thresholds and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) of patients with and without Covid-19 pneumonia

ObjectiveCOVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus that starts similar to an upper respiratory tract infection and causes death by causing pneumonia and vasculopathy. Many viral infections are known to cause hearing loss. In this study, pure-tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds and Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) results were compared across patients with COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 pneumonia, and control group patients. MethodsThe study included 240 patients in the age range of 18–50 years. The patients were divided into three groups of 80 patients as the control (no disease), COVID-19 (nonpneumonia), Covid-19 (pneumonia) groups. PTA and TEOAE tests were performed on the control group patients and the results were recorded. PTA and TEOAE tests were performed in the COVID-19 groups in the first and third months after the infection ended. Each test was performed twice; the results were recorded, and the mean of the two results was calculated. ResultsPTA results and TEOAE amplitudes in the first and third months were not significantly different between the COVID-19 non-pneumonia group and the control group (p > 0.05), between the COVID-19 pneumonia group and the control group (p > 0.05), and between the COVID-19 non-pneumonia group and the COVID-19 pneumonia group (p > 0.05). ConclusionsDespite minimal impairment and minimal amplitude decreases in patients, who recovered from COVID-19, such changes were found to become restored in the third month. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed to indicate COVID-19- associated hearing loss.

Does COVID-19 have an impact on hearing?

Backgrounds SARS-CoV-2 is known to be a neurotrophic virus. However, the effect of this virus on the hearing system is still uncertain. Objectives We aimed to investigate the possible effect of COVID-19 on hearing. Materials and Methods Thirty healthcare workers who had COVID-19 after hearing evaluation with pure tone audiometry (PTA) for any reason in the last 1 year were included in the study. PTA and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) tests were performed in 15 of 30 patients during the active infection period. For all 30 patients, otoscopic examination plus PTA and TEOAE tests were performed at the end of the first month after their treatment. Results When the PTA results of 30 patients (60 ears) before and after COVID-19 were compared, a significant decrease in hearing level was found only at 1000 Hz (p < .05). There were no significant differences at other frequencies. When the PTA and TEAOE test results of 15 patients (30 ears) that were performed during and after COVID-19 were compared, no significant differences were found. Conclusion and significance We conclude that COVID-19 may cause hearing loss. However, this result needs to be confirmed with comprehensive studies to be conducted in larger patient groups.

Good hearing outcome in children recovering from non‐polio enteroviral meningitis

Evaluation of hearing outcome in children following non-polio enteroviral meningitis (EVM). We reviewed hearing outcome of children, aged ≤15 years, with EVM managed at our institution over a 4-year period from July 2008 to July 2011 and January-December 2015. Children with concomitant bacterial infections, and those who required intensive care, or with a prior history of hearing impairment or immunodeficiency were excluded. Data on demographics, medical history, presentation and outcome of hearing screen were collected. The children attended post-meningitis review and hearing screen utilising transient-evoked otoacoustic emission testing at 8-10 weeks. Children who failed the transient-evoked otoacoustic emission testing and those with caregiver concerns were referred to otolaryngology for comprehensive audiologic evaluation. The study cohort consisted of 179 children, aged from 3 days to 15 years, of whom 158 (89%) were younger than 90 days of age. Eleven were preterm infants. A total of 158 children had received intravenous gentamicin at 5-7.5mg/kg/day for a median duration of 2 days. All 179 study participants were found to have good hearing post EVM. Hearing outcome in children recovering from EVM is good.

Analysis of Chronic Tinnitus in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Presbycusis.

Introduction: The most frequent causes of tinnitus associated with hearing loss are noise-induced hearing loss and presbycusis. The mechanism of tinnitus is not yet clear, although several hypotheses have been suggested. Therefore, we aimed to analyze characteristics of chronic tinnitus between noise-induced hearing loss and presbycusis. Materials and Methods: This paper is a retrospective chart review and outpatient clinic-based study of 248 patients with chronic tinnitus from 2015 to 2020 with noise-induced or presbycusis. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), auditory brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), and tinnitograms were conducted. Results: PTA showed that hearing thresholds at all frequencies were higher in patients with noise-induced hearing loss than the presbycusis group. ABR tests showed that patients with presbycusis had longer wave I and III latencies (p < 0.05 each) than patients with noise-induced hearing loss. TEOAE tests showed lower values in patients with noise-induced hearing loss than presbycusis at 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 kHz (p < 0.05 each). DPOAE tests showed that response rates in both ears at 1.5, 2, and 3 kHz were significantly higher in patients with presbycusis than noise-induced hearing loss (p < 0.05 each). Discussion: This study showed that hearing thresholds were higher, the loudness of tinnitus was smaller, and the degree of damage to outer hair cells was lower in patients with presbycusis than with noise-induced hearing loss. Moreover, wave I and III latencies were more prolonged in patients with presbycusis despite their having lower hearing thresholds. These phenomena may reflect the effects of aging or degeneration of the central nervous system with age. Further studies are needed to evaluate the etiologies of tinnitus.

Maternal Diabetes: A Potential Risk Factor of Congenital Hearing Loss

Objective. The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence rate of 'refer' result in neonates born to diabetic mothers and to determine the association of maternal diabetes and the initial 'refer' result.&#x0D; Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study which included neonates who had hearing screening test using transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions test (TEOAE) on both ears at the Philippine General Hospital Ear unit during three weeks. We obtained the demographic characteristics, presence/absence of maternal diabetes, and OAE results.&#x0D; Results. Among the 150 neonates, ten were born to diabetic mothers, with an age range of 2-8 days old. Forty percent of neonates of diabetic mothers had an initial 'refer' result compared with 7.9% of nondiabetic mothers' neonates. After logistic regression analysis, there is a significant association between maternal diabetes and initial 'refer' result in OAE with a p-value &lt;0.05. If the mother is diagnosed with diabetes (gestational/pre-gestational), the odds of having an initial 'refer' result in the hearing screening is 2x higher. The odds can range from 2-43 times.&#x0D; Conclusion. The incidence rate of an initial 'refer' result in neonates of diabetic mothers is 40%. There is a significant association between maternal diabetes and the initial 'refer' result in the OAE test.

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.

ANALYSIS OF OTOACOUSTIC EMISSIONS IN NEONATES AT TERM AND PRETERM AT MGMMC, JAMSHEDPUR

The transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) have been widely used in neonatal hearing screening. OBJECTIVE: To compare the TEOAEs in newborns at term and preterm vis-à-vis the following variables: ear side, gender, frequency spectrum and gestational age. METHOD: By means of 66 newborns up to the 28th day of life (41 newborns at term and 25 premature babies), we recorded TEOAEs. All the individuals did not have risk indicators for hearing loss. RESULTS: There was a signal/noise ratio improvement with frequency increase. No differences were observed between genders and between the ears, but there were differences among the children born at term and preterm in the frequency bands at 3 kHz and 4 kHz. CONCLUSION: The TEOAEs test is important for assessing the peripheral auditory system of newborns at term and preterm, making it possible to have responses regardless of gender and gestational age.

The prevalence of hearing loss in infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units

Background and Aim: Studies have shown that several factors affect the hearing loss of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These factors include hyperbilirubine­mia, low birth weight, asphyxia, and prematurity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss and its risk factors in NICU infants.&#x0D; Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Sam­ples were 159 infants admitted to the NICU in Fatemieh and Shahid Beheshti hospitals in Ham­adan, Iran, who were selected using a conveni­ence sampling method. Their hearing was scree­ned using transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and automated auditory brainstem res­ponse (AABR) tests; in case of failure in these tests, auditory brainstem response (ABR) was performed.&#x0D; Results: Of 159 infants, 9 (5.66%) were iden­tified with different types of hearing loss where 4 (2.51%) had sensory-neural hearing loss, one (0.62%) had auditory neuropathy and 4 (2.51%) had conductive hearing loss. There was a statis­tically significant relationship between hearing loss and birth weight &lt; 1500 g, hyperbilirubine­mia, antibiotic therapy, family history of hearing loss, asphyxia and Apgar score &lt; 5.&#x0D; Conclusion: Prevalence of hearing loss in NICU infants is noticeable so hearing assessment after discharge is necessary. Due to the presence of auditory neuropathy, simultaneous use of TEOAE and AABR tests in these infants is recommended.&#x0D; Keywords: Infant hearing screening; neonatal intensive care unit; auditory brainstem response

Auditory Function of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Study.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory syndrome that manifests during sleep. For the auditory system to be able to function normally, the inner ear and cochlear nerve require healthy oxygen support. The purpose of this study was to assess the hearing function of patients with OSAS and to reveal the relationship between polysomnographic parameters and hearing test results. The study was performed with 35 patients diagnosed with moderate or severe OSAS using polysomnography and a control group consisting of 30 individuals. The snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference and gender (STOP-Bang) questionnaire was used to establish the control group. Detailed otoscopic examinations were administered to all subjects by the same otolaryngologist, followed by a tympanogram, pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) tests. We determined mild sensorineural hearing loss in patients with OSAS. When the different frequencies were evaluated separately, hearing threshold values in the patients with OSAS were significantly higher compared to the control group at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in both ears. TEOAE test reproducibility values in both ears were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group. The hearing system is affected to varying degrees in patients with OSAS. If hearing loss is detected in patients presenting at otolaryngology clinics due to snoring, then assessing these subjects in terms of risk of OSAS is important to reduce mortality and morbidity that may develop at later stages in association with OSAS.

Transient-evoked otoacoustic emission findings in children (1-12 years) with cerebral palsy in Kano, Nigeria.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) suffer from multiple problems and potential disabilities. These range from musculoskeletal problems, mental retardation, epilepsy, ophthalmologic and hearing impairment among others. Consequences of hearing loss include problems with speech and language development. Early detection in this difficult-to-test population may prevent these consequences of hearing loss. An otoacoustic emission assessment is useful in this regard. This study assessed transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) in children with CP. The study population were children with CP who presented at the paediatric neurology clinic during the study period. An equal number of control population matched for age and sex were also recruited using simple random sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant clinical information. All participants selected underwent a detailed ear, nose and throat examination and TEOAE testing. There were 330 participants in this study, categorised into CP cases (165) and non-CP controls (165). The age range of the participants was 1-12 years, with a mean age of 4.44 ± 2.92 among CP patients and 4.47 ± 2.90 among the controls. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. TEOAEs were 'failed' in 83.6% of the CP patients and in 28.5% of the controls. This study found a statistically significant difference in 'failed' TEOAE result between the CP patients and the controls (P = 0.0001). This study found a high prevalence of 'failed' TEOAEs in children with CP in Kano.

Otoacoustic emissions in neonates exposed to smoke during pregnancy

IntroductionThe toxic substances present in cigarette smoke can damage cochlea hair cells. This effect has been investigated by measuring otoacoustic emissions. ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of stimuli on otoacoustic emissions, comparing neonates with and without exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy. MethodsTransient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, evoked by a click stimulus, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions, evoked by two tones tests were conducted in both ears, using an Interacoustic TITAN device. The study included 105 neonates divided into two groups: a study group, comprising 47 neonates exposed to smoke during pregnancy; and a control group comprized of 58 neonates who were not exposed. All participants had normal neonatal hearing screening. ResultsNo statistical differences in distortion product otoacoustic emissions response levels were found between the groups. In the transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions tests lower response levels were observed in the study group than the control group in frequency band analysis of the right ear, with statistically significant differences in signals and signal-noise ratio (except at 1kHz). ConclusionThe impact of smoking exposure could be analyzed through transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions in neonates. The group effect of smoke exposure during pregnancy was evidenced by a reduction in transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions levels. This same effect was not observed for the analyses performed on distortion product otoacoustic emissions levels.

Studying the Auditory Effect of Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia on Neonates Using Otoacoustic Emissions (Oaes)

Background: The adverse effects of iron deficiency anemia on auditory nerve (AN) development have been showed a significant functional consequence on auditory brainstem response (ABR). Aim of the work was to study the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on auditory system of newborn infant using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Subjects and Methods: 60 full term neonates were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: 30 newborn infants as a control group with maternal blood Hb >10.5 g/dL. Group 2: study group: 30 newborn infants with maternal blood Hb ≤ 10.5 g/dL and diagnosed as maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Results: In transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) there was significant difference between the studied groups at frequency of 4000 Hz in both right and left ears. There was also significant difference between right and left ears as regard signal to noise ratio (SNR) and overall amplitude TEOAE at frequency of 2000Hz in control group and at 4000 Hz in study group. There was significant difference in study group between right and left ears as regard signal to noise ratio (SNR) distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) at frequencies 1409 with right ears showing a higher mean SNR than left ears. Conclusion: The peripheral auditory function, as tested by TEOAEs test, is affected in high frequency region of the cochlea in low ferritin babies while DPOAEs test was less sensitive in these patients for assessment of their cochlear function.