Hearing screening program in the newborn and management: Review

Abstract

Congenital hearing loss (CHL) is one of the most common neurologic birth defect in the world. Over the years, developments in technique and instrumentation have significantly and positively altered the direction, accuracy, and success of neonatal hearing screening program. In this program, Otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing and/or automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing is used; however, there are very important differences between the two tests. While OAE testing reflects the status of the peripheral auditory system extending to the cochlear outer hair cells, ABR testing reflects the status of the peripheral auditory system, the eighth nerve, and the brainstem auditory pathway. Current universal neonatal hearing screening statistics indicate an overall hearing loss rate of 1-3/1000 live birth and 1-6/100% in the neonatal intensive care units. CHL rate is also 2.2/1000 live births in our country. An undiagnosed or delayed diagnosed hearing impairment may have serious effect on a child's language, social, emotional, cognitive, academic, and vocational development, significantly affecting the child's quality of life. Assessment of hearing loss in children is very important because early identification and appropriate intervention of hearing loss results in better development and educational outcomes. For this reason, all newborns should be screened by appropriate screening program (OAE and/or ABR) within first month of life. Those who do not pass screening should have a comprehensive audiological evaluation at no later than three months of age, and infants with confirmed hearing loss should receive appropriate intervention at no later than six months of age. Copyright © 2017 by Türkiye Klinikleri.