[Screening for congenital hearing loss--a pilot project].

BACKGROUND

Until recently in Norway, congenital hearing loss has on average been diagnosed at 2.8 years of age. Delayed diagnosis is associated with loss of valuable opportunities for auditory habilitation and speech development.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Since September 1999 we have carried out universal screening for congenital hearing loss in both healthy and sick newborns. During the first screening period, all newborns were screened with automated auditory brainstem response audiometry. In the second period all healthy infants were screened primarily with otoacoustic emission audiometry, with automated auditory brainstem response audiometry as a second stage screening for those who failed the otoacoustic emission test. 3,996 infants were screened from start-up until December 2001.

RESULTS

Hearing loss was confirmed in 25 patients (11 unilateral and 14 bilateral). A further two patients were referred but found to have normal hearing. The incidence of congenital hearing loss was 0.16% in presumed healthy infants and 2.2% in infants admitted to the intensive care nursery.

INTERPRETATION

Screening for congenital hearing loss can be carried out with a very low rate of referrals and a low rate of false positive tests, particularly if there is access to otoacoustic emission as well as automated auditory brainstem response testing. In our opinion, Norway now needs to legislate for universal screening for congenital hearing loss in the neonatal period. Our departments of audiology should be given the opportunity and resources to upgrade their skills in relation to this new group of patients.