Screening of high-risk newborns for hearing in MRMC using OAE and BERA

Abstract

done by screening all the newborns or by screening newborns with high risk factors.This study is an effort to assess the role of OAE and BERA in hearing loss and to screen both normal babies and high-risk babies to know the incidence among them.With early detection using otoacoustic emission (OAE) and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA), we can ensure normal language development by appropriate intervention like hearing aids and infant stimulation.The prevalence of mild to profound hearing loss is reported to be 1.1 to 6 per 1000 live births and 2.5% to 10% among high risk infants. ABSTRACT Background:Hearing is necessary to learn languages and speech and to develop cognitive skills. As hearing is important for normal educational and social development, hearing loss can be disastrous and for the family it can be very distressing. With early detection of hearing loss using OAE and BERA, we can ensure normal language development and help the growing child to lead a near normal life. Methods: 500 cases-out of which 400 normal babies and 100 high risk babies are taken for the study who attend Pediatric OPD and IPD of Basaweshwara Teaching and General Hospital (BTGH) and Sangameshwar hospital attached to MRMC. Results: Out of 400 cases 2 cases have impaired hearing and out of 100 cases with high risk 6 cases have hearing loss. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for OAE and BERA for early identification of hearing loss and that although universal hearing screening programs are warranted but most of the cases with hearing loss can be identified based on the risk factors and High-risk Screening can suffice in areas with limited resources.