Analysis of newborn hearing screenings from 2018-2022

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the Newborn Hearing Screening (NHS) program conducted in Sivas province between 2018 and 2022. The main objectives include determining the percentage of infants who failed the screening, investigating potential reasons, and outlining the follow-up and treatment procedures for infants diagnosed with congenital hearing loss.

Materials and Methods: This study analyzed the outcomes of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and screening Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) in infants undergoing newborn hearing screening. We analyzed the prevalence of congenital hearing loss and identified associated risk factors in affected infants. It also documented the types and rates of treatments administered to infants diagnosed with hereditary hearing loss.

Results: Of 6,585 babies, 27.12% failed the first hearing screening, and 15.5% failed the subsequent screening. During the second screening, 45 babies failed the tests and underwent clinical Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing. We detected congenital hearing loss in 45 infants. Among these,23 infants were fitted with hearing aids, 12 underwent cochlear implantation, and 10 followed up. As a result, the rate of congenital hearing loss in infants was 0.68%.

Conclusion: Recent 5-year data on newborn hearing screening shows congenital hearing loss of 0.48% for bilateral hearing loss and 0.68% for total hearing loss, aligning with existing literature. Screening initiatives are crucial in identifying hearing loss early and integrating individuals into society through interventions that restore hearing functions while preserving cognitive development.