Idiopathic Deafness or Hearing Loss of Unknown Etiology Following Discharge from the NICU

The clinical course, treatment and respiratory management of 6 infants who developed profound hearing loss (n = 5) or high tone hearing loss (n = 1) some months after discharge from the NICU are presented. All 6 infants had congenital and/or perinatal diseases causing hypoxia, and all were treated with gentamycin. All were nearly normal at discharge but later rose to 80-90 dB, or 60 dB in the case with high tone hearing loss. The hearing impairment was thought to be due to hypoxia, in combination with medications and invasive procedures. Follow-up audiologic testing is recommended after NICU discharge.