Study of reversibility of auditory brainstem abnormalities in infants with high risk for hearing loss

Abstract EN

Objectives : This study aimed at assessing the reversibility of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) abnormalities in neonates ; with risk factors such as hyperbilirubinemia or hypoxia after therapy.

Methodology : Two groups A and B consisting of 10 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (term and preterm) and 10 hypoxic neonates (term and preterm) respectively, had their BAER initially recorded at an age of less than 1 month (as soon as they were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit), and later at the age of 6 months.

Criteria for diagnosing infants with hyperbilirubinemia or hypoxia were a serum bilirubin of > 20 mg / dl and an Apgar score less than 6, respectively.

A complete medical and family history was taken from the parents.

Otoscopic examination, tympanometry, Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were also done.

Results : All neonates (100 %) had initial BAER abnormalities ; thus fulfilling our selection criteria.

BAER after 6 months showed significant improvements in both groups ; 60 % for group A and 55 % for group B.

Conclusions : Serial BAER is a useful, noninvasive tool to detect neurodevelopmental delay secondary to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and hypoxia.