Analysis of transient otoacoustic emissions and brainstem evoked auditory potentials in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Hyperbi lirubinemia is toxic to the auditory pathways and to the central nervous system, leaving sequelae such as hearing loss and encephalopathy. Aim: to assess the hearing of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TOAEs) and brainstem evoked auditory potentials (BEAP). Prospective study. Materials and Methods: we had two groups: GI (n-25), neonates with hyperbilirubinemia; GII (n-22), neonates without hyperbilirubinemia and without risk factors for hearing loss. All the neonates had up to 60 days of life and were submitted to TOAE and BEAP. Results: 12 neonates from GI and 10 from GII were girls and 13 from GI and 12 from GII were boys. TOAEs were present in all the children, however with lower amplitudes in GI, especially in the frequencies of 2 and 3KHz (p < 0.05). Regarding the BEAP, we observed a mild PV and LI-V increase in BI. The alterations observed in these tests do not correlate to the serum levels of bilirubin. Conclusions: in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, we noticed lower TOAE amplitudes and mild PV and LI-V increase, indicating cochlear and retrocochlear disorders, stressing the importance of using both tests and carefully reading them in these evaluations.

Predictors of Otoacoustic Emission Test in Newborns: A Prospective One Year Study in Ahvaz, Iran

“…In the present study, the main risk factors for hearing loss were history of NICU admission, followed by low birth weight (Table 2). Risk factors for permanent congenital hearing loss are well established, among them a history of admission to NICU for more than 48 hours, a family history of early childhood permanent deafness, Hyperbilirubinemia and Low birth weight (less than 1500 gr) [12][13][14][15][16][17] are more vital. History of NICU admission as the most important predictor of screening failure in our study, was in agreement with what is found by Uus et al, 1 , whereby screening 169487 infants in England, history of NICU admission were present in 75% of high-risk infants' identiûed with permanent bilateral hearing loss.…”

Prevalence of hearing loss in newborns of mothers who had malaria and were treated with antimalaric drugs in pregnancy

“…Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is toxic to the auditory pathways and central nervous system 29 and newborns submitted to exchange transfusion are considered to be at high risk for the development of auditory neuropathy 38 . Elevated serum levels of bilirubin are considered toxic to the auditory pathways and central nervous system 39 . In the latter, the yellow color is more intense in the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus and may be present in the hippocampus, geniculate bodies, vestibular, cochlear and oculomotor nuclei, cerebellum and spinal cord 40 .…”

“…In the latter, the yellow color is more intense in the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus and may be present in the hippocampus, geniculate bodies, vestibular, cochlear and oculomotor nuclei, cerebellum and spinal cord 40 . Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the risk factors for neonatal deafness and for the development of encephalopathies 39 , since high levels of bilirubin can damage the auditory system at the peripheral level by altering cochlear hair cells and at the central level in the cochlear, olivary and inferior olivary nuclei 41 . Other studies have demonstrated a close relationship between hearing impairment and hyperbilirubinemia 5,39,40 .…”

Triagem auditiva neonatal: ocorrência de falhas, perdas auditivas e indicadores de riscos

“…It is known that hyperbilirubinemia is toxic to the hearing apparatus and to the central nervous system, and it can cause sequelae such as hearing loss, hearing neuropathy and encephalopathy. Numerous studies have described the correlation between hyperbilirubinemia and hearing disorders 20,27 . Risk indicator: mechanical ventilation, also seems to be associated with hearing disorders in the literature 28 .…”