Prevalence of hearing loss in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Hany Abdo bo El Yazeed

Abstract

Prevalence of hearing loss in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Abstract

Introduction:

Significant hearing loss is the most common disorder at birth, occurring in 1 to 2 newborns per 1000 in the general population and 24% to 46% of newborns who are admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). (AL –Kandari , Alshuaib., 2007).
Neonates in (NICUs) face various problems including hearing impairment due to problems such as prematurity, low apgar scores, infection, hyperbilirubinemia ,mechanical ventilation & ototoxic medications. (Berg et al., 2005).
Ototoxic medications are retained for a longer period and in a higher concentration in the inner ear fluids than in any other tissue or fluid, especially in individuals with liver or kidney dysfunction. (Weinstein., 2013).
Bilirubin, at high levels, can damage retrocochlear structures including brainstem and auditory nerve fibers. (Akinpelu et al .,2013).
Premature babies face problems due to the underdevelopment of their respiratory system, which requires more and longer oxygen therapy. ( Biwlecki et al., 2011)

Aim:

Detection of the prevalence and Identification of the risk factors of hearing loss in neonates admitted to (NICUs)

Subject & Methods:

All neonates admitted to the (NICU) at the Hospital of Menoufia University between January 2015 and January 2016, were included in the study and the study was carried out on 112 newborns.
Complete prenatal, natal and postnatal history was taken.
General examination & local examination for craniofacial abnormalities suggesting hearing loss then otoscopic examination for vernix obscuring the view of the tympanic membrane.
At the time of discharge from the (NICU), all neonates were tested for hearing loss using the Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAEs), followed by Auditory Brainstem Response test (ABR), using (Interacoustics Eclipse EP25).

Conclusion:

There was statistically significant relationship between hearing loss & ( gestational age, Birth weight, Mechanical ventilation , Ototoxic medication ,Hyperbilirubinemia, Birth asphyxia,, Craniofacial abnormalities Family history of hearing loss and Consanguinity)