Determining the Frequency of Hearing Loss and Its Risk Factors in Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Unit: A Hospital Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives The prevalence of hearing loss in infants with a risk factor is higher than in infants without a risk factor. The aim of this work is determine the prevalence of hearing loss and identify the most significant risk factors for hearing impairment in neonates hospitalized at neonates unit. Subjects and Methods A total of 450 infants admitted to the neonatal unit of Abuzar hospital in Ahvaz were evaluated for hearing in October 2020 to April 2020. The hearing screening tests performed were Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAES) and the automated auditory brain stem response (AABR). Risk factors include birth weight less than 1500g, prematurity, family history of hearing loss, consanguineous marriage, hyperbilirubinemia, mechanical ventilation for more than 5 days, asphyxia, autotoxic drugs, sepsis, hypoglycemia and Apgar less than 5 were in one minute after birth. Results twenty neonates (4.4%) had different type of hearing loss. Mechanical Ventilation more than 5 days, sepsis, asphyxia, hyperbilirubinemia and Apgar<5 were considered risk factors of hearing loss. Conclusion The prevalence of hearing loss in neonate with risk factor is significant that raises the need for hearing screening using TEOAE and AABR simultaneously. It is recommended that children with hearing loss risk factors be evaluated for hearing periodically.