Abstract

The aim of this study was to screen neonates born in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan to diagnose any hearing impairment at an early age in order to provide appropriate intervention and facilitate early cochlear implantation in children and to prevent the adverse consequences of a delayed diagnosis of speech and language, as well as on the cognitive development of a child.

Methodology

A Prospective cross sectional study was conducted, 250 children were examined by means of distortion product otoacoustic emissions between 01.05.2019 and 31.10.2019 to analyze the results of neonatal hearing screening in Liaquat National Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire was designed for detailed case history including gestational age, duration of labor and other prenatal, natal and postnatal risk factors. Otoacoustic Emission test was performed and infants who were referred twice, scheduled for complete diagnostic evaluation and brainstem evoked response audiometry.

Conclusion

Result

Almost 10 percent of children fall under the category of referral, many lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

This study will be an initiative to highlight neonatal risk factors associated with hearing loss and understand the importance of early identification and intervention. It will be a useful tool in creating awareness among parents and the general population. Hence comprehensive hearing screening program is required.