Clinical characteristics of infants identified with a conductive hearing loss through universal newborn hearing screening: A population-based sample. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Collins, Alison; Beswick, Rachael; Driscoll, Carlie; Kei, Joseph
• Is Part Of: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Volume 161(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Conductive hearing loss -- Infants -- Newborn hearing screening -- Otitis media -- Prevalence; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Oto-rhino-laryngologie -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.9209751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111268
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-5876

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) aims to identify infants born with a permanent hearing loss. However, many are also diagnosed with a conductive hearing loss (CHL) and are at subsequent risk for developmental delays. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CHL and determine which clinical characteristics collected at birth, predict CHL within UNHS. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on all infants born between January 01, 2007 and December 31, 2018. During this period, 731, 234 infants were screened, 9802 were direct referrals, and 1208 identified with a CHL. Chi squared analysis and logistic regression was conducted to determine CHL prevalence and identify which clinical characteristics predict CHL. Results: The prevalence of CHL was 12.32%. Following adjustments for collinearity, clinical characteristics that could predict CHL were: bilateral referrals/medical exclusions to screen (Odds ratio, OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.65–2.1), ≥1 risk factor for hearing loss (OR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.76–2.34), pre-term birth (OR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.57–2.10), male (OR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.07–1.37), and Indigenous status: 'Aboriginal (not Torres Strait Islander)' (OR 1.27; 95% CI:1.03–1.57 and 'not stated' (OR 2.95; 95% CI: 2.02–4.30). Conclusion: CHL within UNHS was highly prevalent, with six clinical characteristics that can predict that likelihood of an infant being diagnosed with a CHL. This data could be used to create alternative care pathways for infants with CHL, enabling early and targeted assessments, thereby reducing the risk of developmental delays for these infants. Highlights: Conductive Hearing Loss is highly prevalent in Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programs. Bilateral referrals/medical exclusion are 1.89 times as likely to have a conductive hearing loss than other referral types. Pre-term infants are almost twice as likely to have a conductive hearing loss than term infants. Infants with risk factors are more likely to have a conductive hearing loss than those without risk factors. Aboriginal and 'not stated' are more likely to have a conductive hearing loss than other Indigenous groups.