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Review
. 2011 Jun;108(25):426-31.
doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2011.0426. Epub 2011 Jun 24.

Early detection of hearing impairment in newborns and infants

Martin Ptok  1
Affiliations
Review

Early detection of hearing impairment in newborns and infants

Martin Ptok. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2011 Jun.

Abstract

Background: 1-2 out of 1000 newborns have markedly impaired hearing.

Methods: Review of the pertinent literature, which was retrieved with a selective search of the following databases: NHS EED (Economic Evaluation Database), HTA (Health Technology Assessment), DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews on Effectiveness), Clinical Trials, CDSR (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), and PubMed.

Results: The current scientific evidence favors universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) for the early detection of hearing impairment. UNHS is best performed in two stages: first measurement of otoacoustic emissions and then automated assessment of the brainstem auditory evoked response. To be effective, UNHS programs must have a high coverage rate, high sensitivity and specificity, and proper tracking with a low rate of loss to follow-up. Children with positive screening tests for hearing impairment should undergo confirmatory testing as soon as possible and then receive the appropriate treatment. Early intervention is particularly critical for speech acquisition.

Conclusion: The early detection and treatment of hearing impairment in newborns and infants has a beneficial effect on language acquisition.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Hearing screening with a handheld touch-screen device capable of both measurement of transitory evoked otoacoustic emissions (TOAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) audiometry
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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MeSH terms