18 March 2019 Screening is carried out to enable early diagnosis and intervention , which will make it possible to reduce or eliminate the consequences associated with these deficits. Why should neonatal hearing screening be done? The following factors justify carrying out neonatal hearing screening: The incidence of bilateral hearing loss (estimated at 0.1% to 0.3% and 2% to 4% of healthy and at-risk newborns, respectively); The impact of hearing on the child’s development, particularly with regard to language acquisition and cognitive and emotional development; The fact that early intervention plays a decisive role in prognosis. When should neonatal hearing screening be carried out? Neonatal hearing screening should be carried out on all newborn babies before they leave the maternity ward , or, at the latest, before they are 30 days old. This will make it possible to carry out a full diagnosis before the baby is 3 months old and start any intervention that may be necessary before the baby is 6 months old. How is neonatal hearing screening done? Neonatal hearing screening can be carried out using the otoacoustic emission (OAE) method . Otoacoustic emissions are sounds produced by internal ear cells that, in most pathologies associated with child deafness, have their functionality compromised. The otoacoustic emissions method is simple, quick and pain free. The baby is fitted with earplugs, through which sounds are sent. A microphone records the responses (otoacoustic emissions) to the sounds emitted. Babies with hearing deficits do not produce otoacoustic emissions. When the screening test identifies an hearing deficit , a more detailed assessment is required, and the baby is referred to an otorhinolaryngology [ear, nose and throat] consultation. What should be done for at-risk babies whose neonatal hearing screening results are normal? Even where the result of neonatal hearing screening is normal, at-risk children should be monitored up to the age of language acquisition (about 2 years of age). Newborn babies who fall into the following groups are considered as being at risk: Family history of hearing impairment; Congenital infections (syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes); Craniofacial anomalies;Low body weight (less than 1.5 kg); Jaundice with elevated bilirubin values; Bacterial meningitis; Birth asphyxia; Need for mechanical ventilation for 5 days or more. In the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are paediatric specialists who monitor the health of children and young people. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
