Pädaudiologische Diagnostik im ersten Lebensjahr

The universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) program demands detection of hearing loss within the first 3months of life. Practicability and different screening methods should be evaluated. Thus, 617patients (329 m., 288 w.) were analyzed; 246children were referred in the UNHS, 389 with risk factors. In 459children (74%), automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening in our department excluded hearing loss, thereof 129 (21%) underwent diagnostic auditory brainstem-evoked audiometry responses: 20 (16%) showed normal and 109 (84%) elevated ABR thresholds. A total of 91children (83%) received hearing aids and 11children (10%) treatment of middle ear effusion. Hearing loss was diagnosed in 18% of all children, 24% with UNHS referral and 34% with both referral and risk factors. Craniofacial anomalies, premature birth < 32weeks of pregnancy, and syndromes were the most frequent risk factors. Reevaluation by ABR showed an improvement to normal hearing in 3 (of 14) children. The 226Hz compared to 1,000Hz-tympanometry showed different specificity (95.5 vs. 85.5%) and sensitivity (32.5 vs. 57.1%). Diagnosis within 3months is possible, but very challenging in children with risk factors.