Hearing screening test using Otoacoustic emission in High-Risk Neonates in Phayao Hospital

Abstract

Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities presented at birth, and more common in high risk neonates. Late diagnosis hearing loss in infant will cause delayed in language development and low academic achievement. Aim of this study to determine the incidence, risk factor of congenital hearing loss in the high-risk group and developmental outcomes of infant with hearing loss at 18 months of age. Retrospective descriptive study, high risk newborn in Phayao hospital were screened with portable Otoacoustic emission (OAE) between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015, The criteria for high risk were defined as the Joint Committee of Infant Hearing 1994 and 2007, American Academy of Pediatrics. Newborns who failed the recheck screening test (“refer”) were referred to assess for hearing threshold, with Auditory brainstem response (ABR). Developmental assessment of infant with hearing loss at 18 months of age were reviewed. Thirty three of 317 (10.4%) high risk newborns failed the first OAE and 8 of 22 (36.4%) failed the recheck. Two (0.66%) in the recheck screening test failed were confirmed hearing loss with ABR. One had severe bilateral hearing loss and the other one had mild unilateral hearing loss. Developmental assessment at 18 months of age, both had delayed in language development. Three top risk factors were ototoxic medications, mechanical ventilation usage for at least five days and very low birth weight less than 1,500 grams. No significant relationship between risk factors and hearing loss in this study. The incidence of congenital hearing loss in high risk newborn was 0.66%.