• to prevent delays in speech, language, and cognitive development.
• Hearing loss occurs in approximately 1 to 3 per 1000 live births, higher in NICU infants.
• Timely intervention (by 6 months) improves outcomes dramatically. (CDC), (WHO)

---

2. Who Should Be Screened?

• Universal screening is recommended for all newborns before hospital discharge or within the first month of life.
• Special attention to infants with risk factors:
  • Family history of congenital hearing loss
  • Prematurity or NICU stay >5 days
  • Craniofacial anomalies
  • In-utero infections (e.g., CMV, rubella)
  • Syndromes associated with hearing loss (e.g., Usher, Waardenburg)

---

3. Screening Methods

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): Measures cochlear (inner ear) response; quick, non-invasive.
• Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR): Tests neural pathways up to brainstem; used especially for NICU babies or if OAE fails.
• Protocol usually involves:
  • Initial OAE screening
  • If failed, repeat test or AABR before 1 month

---

4. Follow-Up After Screening

• Infants who fail initial screening must receive a diagnostic audiologic evaluation by 3 months of age.
• Confirmed hearing loss should have intervention started by 6 months, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and early speech therapy.

---

5. Documentation and Parental Counseling

• Record screening results in medical records and communicate clearly with parents.
• Educate parents on importance of follow-up and early intervention.
• Provide resources for support services.

---

Summary Table: Newborn Hearing Loss Screening

Step	Key Points
Target Group	All newborns (universal screening)
Initial Test	OAE
Secondary Test	AABR (if initial test failed or NICU)
Diagnostic Evaluation	By 3 months for failed screenings
Intervention	By 6 months for confirmed

Attach

Search

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info. See Cookie Preferences.