INCIDENCE OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN HIGH RISK NEONATES

Abstract

Objectives: The proportion of high risk neonates among live births in Pakistan is estimated to be over 50%. This study was carried out to assess the incidence of hearing loss among pre- defined high risk newborns. Hearing loss cases were evaluated in relation to the type of risk in inclusion. This provided the need for screening and managing such cases. One hundred (100) neonates fulfilling the criteria of being high risk were included in the study carried out at Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore during July 18 to Dec 18.
Method: This was a cross sectional analytical study in which two successive otoacoustic emission recordings were followed by brain stem auditory potential and otolaryngeal consultation, in the cases screened to have hearing loss.
Result: Among high risk neonates 92 (92%) were found normal, 8 (8%) cases were found to have bilateral hearing impairment. Prematurity alone or in combination with some other risk factors were found to have highest association.
Conclusion: 8% hearing impairment on screening test is quite high to initiate such tests in major obstetrical units. Early detection and early management carries better prognosis.
Keywords: Otoacoustic emission, brainstem auditory potential, hearing impairment.