Auditory dysfunction and perinatal risk factors in high-risk infants: Insights from brainstem evoked response audiometry

TL;DR

This study shows that high-risk infants are more likely to have hearing issues, linked to factors like jaundice and asphyxia, highlighting the need for early hearing screening.

Contribution

The study identifies specific perinatal risk factors strongly associated with auditory dysfunction in high-risk infants using BERA.

Findings

30% of high-risk neonates showed abnormal BERA results.

Severe hyperbilirubinemia, perinatal asphyxia, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were significantly linked to auditory dysfunction.

Infants with abnormal BERA had prolonged wave V latency.

Abstract

Congenital hearing impairment is a major developmental disability, especially among infants with perinatal risk factors. This
cross-sectional study evaluated 150 high-risk neonates in a NICU using Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). Abnormal BERA
findings were observed in 30% of infants, with significant associations to severe hyperbilirubinemia, perinatal asphyxia and prolonged
mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). Mean wave V latency was notably prolonged in infants with abnormal results. Thus, we show the
importance of universal newborn hearing screening, particularly in high-risk groups, to enable early diagnosis and timely intervention.