Comparing the Incidence of Hearing Impairment in Normal to High-risk Newborns

Abstract

Screening by otoacoustic emission (OAE), to study the incidence of hearing impairment in newborns; 2) to
compare the incidence of hearing impairment in normal to high-risk newborns and 3) to study if the risk of hearing impairment
increases as the number of risk factors increase. Material and methods: This was a prospective nonrandomized observational
cohort study from November 2011 to December 2013. All newborns born in the hospital were included. Detailed history
(pre- and postnatal) of each newborn pertaining to risk factors for hearing loss was taken and a detailed examination was
done. Relevant serological tests were done. Newborns were screened for hearing impairment by OAEs and the result of the test
was noted as PASS/REFER (FAIL). Results: Overall incidence of hearing impairment in newborns: 1.8%, incidence of hearing
impairment in normal newborns: 0.7% and hearing impairment in high-risk newborns: 6.3%. Incidence of hearing impairment
was significantly higher in high-risk newborns compared to normal newborns (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Though, the incidence
of hearing impairment is significantly higher in high-risk newborns, targeted screening of high-risk newborns will result in
missing a significant number of normal newborns with hearing impairment. Hence, there is a necessity for universal newborn
hearing screening program.