Neonatal Hearing Screening Using Otoacoustic Emissions in a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Hearing is essential for the development of speech and language. Early detection and intervention are crucial to mitigate these effects. Tests such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are necessary for early screening of newborns. Aims And Objectives: The purpose of our study is to assess the incidence of early hearing loss in newborns using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in the ENT department at Basaveshwar Teaching and General Hospital in Kalaburagi. Data collected from May 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024 (6 months), were analyzed. Our sample size consisted of 300 newborns, all within 28 days of birth, and informed consent was obtained from their parents. Newborns with severe multiple anomalies incompatible with life, atresia of the external ear canals in both ears, and hearing loss associated with syndromes were excluded. We collected demographic, prenatal, and postnatal information, followed by thorough head and neck examination and otoscopy. OAE testing was performed to assess the hearing of each ear. Results : A total of 300 neonates were screened, comprising 164 males (54.6%) and 136 females (45.3%). Among them, 9 neonates (3%) failed OAE test in both ears. 2 neonates (0.6%) had refer in right ear only, and 1 neonate (0.3%) had refer in left ear only. Out of 300 neonates, 120 were classified as high-risk, with 8 failing the OAE test. In contrast, of remaining 180 normal neonates, 4 also failed the OAE test. Conclusion: Universal newborn hearing screening is essential in today's healthcare landscape. OAE serve as an effective tool for screening newborns for hearing loss. This examination can be easily conducted in newborns, regardless of their gestational age.