Hearing impairment is the most common pathology in newborns. Hearing disorders are found in 1 to 3 children out of 1,000 births. Between 20-40 out of 1,000 newborns in the NICU develop deafness or severe hearing loss. Hearing impairment in children can occur before birth, during labor, or after birth, which is why early hearing screening is crucial for identifying these issues as soon as possible.
Newborn and infant hearing screening is a standardized, automated, automated, objective hearing screening procedure designed to quickly and reliably identify children who are likely to have hearing loss.
Why should hearing screening be performed?
Baby audiometry is necessary for the following reasons:
- The first 6 months of a newborn’s life is a critical period when the foundation for speech development is laid;
- While still in utero, the baby’s brain responds to auditory stimuli from the external environment;
- Timely screening audiometry can identify problems that may interfere with normal hearing and speech development as soon as possible.
The examination allows you to:
- Identify hearing impairments and assess how severe they are;
- determine the cause of the hearing loss;
- Determine the best option for correcting the hearing loss, which can be either treatment or hearing aids.
How hearing screening is performed in newborns
This diagnostic method does not require special training. The main advantages that audiometry has are:
- simplicity of the examination;
- painlessness, no discomfort for the newborn;
- informative, the ability to quickly obtain information that allows you to accurately determine the state of the baby’s hearing.
Newborn hearing audiometry is performed when the newborn has been fed, is in a good mood, is not nervous and does not make sudden movements. Excessive movement can interfere with the examination or reduce the accuracy of the diagnosis. The presence of mucus, wax masses and primordial lubrication in the ears can also affect accuracy.
The method of delayed otoacoustic emission is used for screening – it is recorded in newborns usually from the second day of life. The examination is carried out as follows:
- the doctor uses a small mobile device with a flexible probe;
- an ear piece is placed on the end of the tube;
- the probe with the earmold is inserted into the baby’s ear;
- the device generates test pulses that are sent through the probe into the ear;
- the device records the sound vibrations and the response.
The procedure takes no more than 1-1.5 minutes. The device immediately indicates that there is nothing wrong with your hearing. If the device detects any problems, such as a lack of response to sound impulses, further examination is necessary to determine the cause of the hearing loss.
When and how often should I be screened?
Hearing screening is recommended in the first days of a child’s life, preferably already in the maternity hospital, on the 2nd or 3rd day after birth. This allows them to detect problems as early as possible and to start treatment or hearing correction immediately. In some countries, this test is mandatory for all newborns.
If the child is found to have problems with sound perception, he or she is referred for additional tests such as audiometry at an older age or imaging of the inner ear structures. It is important to realize that screening is only the first step in the diagnostic process to help identify children at risk of hearing loss, but additional tests may be required for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
The impact of hearing loss on a child’s development
Hearing impairment at an early age can have a serious impact on a child’s development. Hearing is essential for speech formation, cognitive skills, and socialization. Hearing problems can impede learning, speech skills and the way a child perceives the world around him or her. This is why it is so important to identify and treat hearing disorders in their earliest stages.
Children with hearing impairments who do not get the help they need may experience delays in speech and language development, which can affect their ability to learn and interact with others. However, with early intervention and the use of hearing aids or other remedial methods, most children with hearing loss achieve normal speech and cognitive development.
The role of parents in the hearing screening process
It is very important that parents are actively involved in the hearing screening process and seek professional help when problems are detected. Parents should be alert to early signs of a child’s hearing loss, such as lack of response to sounds, late onset of babbling or delayed speech development. The earlier parents pay attention to possible symptoms and undergo an evaluation, the better the chances of successfully correcting the hearing loss. Professionals can provide parents with information on how they can support their child’s development and what steps to take for further treatment.
The future of hearing screening: new technologies and approaches
As technology advances, so too does hearing screening. Modern diagnostic methods are becoming more accurate and less invasive. For example, researchers are developing new types of screening that can be even more effective, including genetic tests that can help identify a predisposition to hearing loss before a child is born. The use of advanced technology is also improving the rehabilitation and adaptation processes for children with hearing loss. In the near future, this will open up new horizons for diagnosis and treatment, enabling children with hearing loss to have more opportunities for full development.
Conclusion
Early auditory screening in newborns is a critical step towards identifying and correcting auditory disorders that can significantly affect a child’s development. The period up to six months of life is critical for the development of speech and cognitive skills, and early detection of hearing problems can prevent developmental delays and provide the care needed. Modern audiometry techniques are simple, quick and uncomfortable, and regular screening offers the chance for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
The role of parents in this process cannot be overemphasized: their attentiveness and timely referral to specialists can play a decisive role in the successful correction of hearing loss. Technologies and approaches to diagnosis and treatment continue to evolve, opening up new opportunities for the rehabilitation of children with hearing loss. The application of new screening and treatment methods contributes to the normalization of development of such children and their integration into society. Thus, early hearing screening is not only a diagnostic tool, but also the basis for a full and healthy life for the child.
