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Twelve years of neonatal hearing screening: audiological and etiological results

  • Otology
  • Published:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Most developed countries have implemented some form of universal newborn hearing screening program. Early identification and rehabilitation of congenital hearing loss is important in functional outcome, and the need to identify the cause of hearing impairment has become clear. We aimed to evaluate audiological and etiological outcomes in a large group of patients with failed neonatal hearing screening.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart analysis of patients who were referred to our tertiary referral center after failing neonatal hearing screening during a 12-year period (2007–2019). Screening was based on automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) or a combined approach of AABR and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) with chirp stimulus. Extensive audiometric testing was performed to confirm and determine the type and degree of hearing loss. In case of permanent hearing loss, a standardized etiological protocol was followed to determine the cause.

Results

Of the 802 referred newborns, hearing loss was confirmed by diagnostic ABR in 78%. Main causes of hearing loss included otitis media with effusion (56%, higher in patients screened by AABR/ASSR compared to AABR), a genetic disorder (12%), congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV, 5%) and atresia/stenosis of the external ear canal (5%). Of the patients with permanent hearing loss, 15% showed changes in hearing loss severity over time.

Conclusion

In the majority of newborns referred after failing universal neonatal hearing screening, hearing loss could be confirmed. The leading cause was reversible hearing loss due to otitis media with effusion, but hearing loss proved permanent in about 35% of referred newborns, with genetics as predominant cause. Follow-up of congenital hearing loss patients is important as deterioration as well as improvement was observed over time.

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Data availability

The raw data are available on request.

Abbreviations

AABR:

Automated auditory brainstem response

ANSD:

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

ASSR:

Auditory steady-state response

cCMV:

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection

dBnHL:

Decibel above normal hearing level

EAC:

External ear canal

NICU:

Neonatal intensive care unit

OAE:

Otoacoustic emissions

OME:

Otitis media with effusion

TTD:

Transtympanic drain

UNHS:

Universal newborn hearing screening

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Funding

The authors did not receive funding for this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Frederic R. E. Acke, Casper De Vriese, Helen Van Hoecke & Els M. R. De Leenheer

Authors
  1. Frederic R. E. Acke
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  2. Casper De Vriese
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  3. Helen Van Hoecke
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  4. Els M. R. De Leenheer
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Contributions

FREA designed the study, collected data, carried out the initial analyses and drafted the initial manuscript. CDV analyzed and interpreted the results and wrote part of the manuscript. HVH conceptualized the study, collected data, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. EMRDL conceptualized and designed the study, collected data, supervised data analysis and critically reviewed and revised the manuscript for important intellectual content.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frederic R. E. Acke.

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Conflict of interest

The authors do not disclose any conflict of interest for this study.

Ethical approval

The Ethics Committee of the involved hospital approved the study (EC/2018/0787).

Consent to participate

Not applicable (retrospective chart study approved by the Ethics Committee of the involved hospital).

Consent for publication

Not applicable (retrospective chart study approved by the Ethics Committee of the involved hospital).

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Acke, F.R.E., De Vriese, C., Van Hoecke, H. et al. Twelve years of neonatal hearing screening: audiological and etiological results. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 279, 3371–3378 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-07060-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-07060-5

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