Comparison of risk factors in newborn hearing screening in a developing country

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the newborn-hearingscreening program (NHSP) in our institute, investigate the risk factors andtheir correlation to congenital hearing loss (CHL). Newborns who admittedto our clinic for NHSP from June 2014 to December 2014 were included inthe study. After the test parents were asked to fill a questionnaire aboutthe risk factors of CHL. Test results and referral rate were compared withrisk factors. One thousand consecutive babies were included in the study.The overall referral rate was 3.5%. Mechanic ventilation, history of familialCHL and familial consanguinity were found to be significantly related toCHL.In the light of our results we can conclude that getting access to everynewborn for hearing screening is mandatory and targeting the risk factors andinforming the family about the follow-up period is important for diagnosingthe delayed hearing impairment.