Outcomes and Management of Infants Who Refer Newborn Hearing Screening

Abstract

Objectives: With the implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, early diagnosis and referral has been expedited. Many patients who refer screening pass subsequent testing with otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR). The objective of our study was to identify the incidence and etiology of hearing loss in infants who refer initial testing in an urban, tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology practice. Methods: We performed a chart review of infants who were evaluated after referring newborn hearing screening from 2017 to 2021. Data collected included birth history, hospital screening results, subsequent audiology and otolaryngology visit findings, final hearing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. Results: Of the 450 patients, 83.8% (n = 377) had normal hearing bilaterally after repeat testing (OAE and/or ABR). Thirty five patients were diagnosed with otitis media with effusion (OME) (7.8%) and 17 patients (3.8%) were diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Twenty seven patients (6.0%) were diagnosed with obstructing cerumen/vernix, many times in addition to another diagnosis. Of the 17 patients with sensorineural hearing loss, 2 had genetic syndromes and 2 had congenital cytomegalovirus. Sensorineural hearing loss was significantly associated with the presence of a deafness syndrome ( P = .004) and in-utero infections ( P = .04). About 11 (2.4%) underwent myringotomy with tube placement, 5 (1.1%) were fitted with hearing aids, 2 (0.4%) were referred for hearing aids, 4 (0.9%) had both myringotomy with tube placement and hearing aids, 1 child had a soft band/Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) (0.2%), and 1 child (0.2%) had a cochlear implant. Conclusion: Our incidence of sensorineural hearing loss was 3.8% (95% CI 2.0, 5.5), compared to rates of 0.44 to 68% in the published literature. Most patients had normal hearing, usually identified after only 1 repeat test. OME requiring myringotomy tube insertion was the most common pathology requiring intervention. Close observation for resolution and intervention, if warranted, is critical to prevent sequelae.