Outcomes of Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Program in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore

Objective: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of a universal neonatal hearing screening program in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore.   Methods This cross-sectional study was performed at the pediatric medicine and audiology department of Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.  91 infants satisfying inclusion criteria were included. The detailed clinical history of each participant was recorded on a predesigned questionnaire. An otoscopic examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane was performed. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were used to screen. A signal-to-noise ratio of greater than six decibels in 3 out of 4 frequencies tested was considered as pass. Findings were validated by Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 91 high-risk infants tested for hearing impairment, 19(20.88%) were diagnosed as having hearing impairment. 5(8.7%) of the full-term neonates had hearing impairment while 5(50%) of the preterm neonates exhibited hearing impairment. Hearing impairment was also reported among infants having a history of neonatal jaundice (26%), fetal distress (40%), birth asphyxia (50%), convulsions (100%), and craniofacial abnormalities (100%). Conclusion: The neonatal hearing screening program is a useful method in the early detection and management of congenital hearing loss in neonates, thereby avoiding any hindrance in speech, language, and cognitive development. Thus, the findings of this study appreciate the importance of countrywide implementation of universal hearing screening programs in newborns Keywords: Neonate, neonatal screening, hearing impairment, hearing screening, early identification, Otoacoustic emission