Incidence and Risk Factors Associated with Hearing
Loss in High-Risk Neonates in Srinagarind Hospital
Pakaphan Kiatchoosakun MD*,
Wichitra Suphadun MD*, Junya Jirapradittha MD*,
Kwanchanok Yimtae MD**, Panida Thanawirattananit MA**
Affiliation :
* Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand
** Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To determine incidence and risk factors associated with hearing loss in high-risk neonates in Srinagarind
Hospital.
Study design: Prospective cohort study.
Material and Method: High-risk neonates were screened with TEOAE/AABR. All infants were followed for hearing and
developmental evaluation until one year of age.
Results : Four hundred twenty five neonates underwent hearing screening tests. Nine infants (2.1%) had abnormal TEOAE,
AABR and ABR tests. During follow-up, two of the nine infants that had abnormal initial hearing tests were found to have
normal hearing at eight and nine months of age. Therefore, seven high-risk neonates (1.6%) had permanent hearing loss.
Significant risk factors for permanent hearing loss were craniofacial anomalies, very low birth weight, low Apgar scores at
5 minute and mechanical ventilation usage for more than five days.
Conclusion : Continuing evaluation of hearing and development during follow-up is important in children with abnormal
hearing tests. Invasive procedures as early intervention during the first six months of life should be considered with caution
because some premature infants can have false positive tests or transient hearing loss and subsequently have normal hearing
and development.
Keywords : Hearing loss, Hearing screening test, High-risk neonates
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