FREQUENCY OF CONGENITAL HEARING LOSS IN NEONATES

Background:Congenital hearing loss is one of the most common neonatal sensory deficits, affecting approximately 1–3 per 1,000 live births globally. Early identification during the neonatal period is crucial, as untreated hearing impairment can significantly delay speech, language, and cognitive development. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS), supported by otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR), offers an effective strategy for timely detection and intervention in newborns at risk. Objective:To determine the frequency of congenital hearing loss in neonates and assess the association of key demographic and clinical risk factors, including birth weight, gestational age, and family history of hearing impairment. Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at CMH Kharian over a 12-month period from May 2023 to May 2024. A total of 200 neonates were consecutively enrolled. All participants underwent UNHS using OAE within the first 48 hours of life. Those who did not pass the initial screening underwent confirmatory ABR testing within one week. Hearing loss was categorized as mild (26–40 dB HL), moderate (41–70 dB HL), or severe to profound (>70 dB HL). Demographic data including birth weight, gestational age, gender, and family history were collected. Chi-square tests were used for statistical association with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results:Out of 200 neonates, 15 (7.5%) were diagnosed with congenital hearing loss. Among these, 9 (60%) had mild, 4 (26.7%) moderate, and 2 (13.3%) severe to profound hearing loss. Hearing loss was observed in 8.3% of males and 6.5% of females (p=0.44). Low birth weight (<2.5 kg) was significantly associated with hearing loss (12% vs. 7.2%, p=0.02). Preterm neonates had a 10% prevalence, though not statistically significant (p=0.08). A family history of hearing loss was present in 20% of affected neonates (p=0.04). Conclusion:The study identified a 7.5% frequency of congenital hearing loss in neonates, with low birth weight and positive family history emerging as significant risk factors. These findings support the continued implementation and strengthening of universal neonatal hearing screening programs for early detection and intervention. Keywords:Auditory Brainstem Response, Congenital Hearing Loss, Family History, Low Birth Weight, Neonates, Otoacoustic Emissions, Universal Newborn Hearing Screening.