Some risk factors for neonatal sensorineural hearing loss in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract EN

Background: The sensorineural hearing loss incidence ranges from 1 to 3 per 1.000 live births in term healthy neonates, and 2- 4 per 100 in high- risk infants, a 10- fold increase.

Objectives: To estimate the incidence of SNHL among newborns in NICU at A1 Monira Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; and to describe the distribution of risk factors associated with SNHL and the effects of their interaction.

Patients and methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 710 neonates in A1 Monira Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; The neonates in the study were 710 (401Males and 309 Females) and had birth weight ranging from 680 to 5500 gm and the mean gestational age was 35.8+ 3 weeks.

All the cases were screened for hearing loss using the transient evoked otoacoustic emission device, followed by a second stage screening for those who failed and cases given a Refer then undergo an Automated Auditory Brainstem Response test.

Results: fn the studied cases, 76.7% had hyperbilirubinemia, 8.73% were of low birth weight (<1500 g), and 15.5% were on mechanical ventilation.

In the first screening phase, 80% were given a Pass response and 20% were given a Refer response for the right ear.

In the second screening phase, 91% were given a Pass, 9% were given a Refer.

Conclusion: A comprehensive intervention and management program must be an integral part of screening programs in the postnatal period.

Awareness about the value of hearing screening is important.

Further assessment of high prevalence of hyperbilirubinemia are needed.

Keywords: Hearing loss, High- risk, hyperbilirubinemia, low birth weight, mechanical ventilation, Neonatal hearing screening