ANALYZING RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES OF NEONATAL HEARING SCREENING

TRIVENI DESAI; AISHWARAYA MANTHALE; RASHMI KAMATH; ARUNKUMAR SHIRSHETTY

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i1.6007

Authors

TRIVENI DESAI Department of Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospital Whitefield Bangalore, India
AISHWARAYA MANTHALE Department of Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospital Whitefield Bangalore, India
RASHMI KAMATH Department of Paediatrics, Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa, India
ARUNKUMAR SHIRSHETTY Department of General Surgery, Bidar Institute of Medical Science Bidar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i1.6007

Keywords:

Neonatal hearing screening, Risk factors, Early hearing detection and intervention, Consanguinity, Family history, Neonatal care

Abstract

Objective: Neonatal hearing loss can significantly impact a child's developmental trajectory. This study evaluates the risk factors associated with neonatal hearing impairment and analyzes the outcomes of a hearing screening program at a tertiary care center.

Methods: This prospective observational study involved 1175 neonates screened for hearing loss using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). Data were collected on high-risk factors such as consanguinity, family history of deafness, ototoxic drug exposure, and low birth weight, and their association with screening outcomes.

Results: The prevalence of high-risk factors included consanguinity (13.53%), family history of deafness (0.17%), ototoxic drug intake (0.26%), and low birth weight (19.91%). Of those initially referred for additional testing, 50% were lost to follow-up, and 50% confirmed for further diagnostic evaluation. Associations were noted between consanguinity and referral rates, as well as a strong correlation between family history and referrals.

Conclusion: The study highlights the effectiveness of initial neonatal hearing screenings but indicates the need for improved follow-up systems to ensure comprehensive care for all neonates at risk of hearing loss.

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