Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening Facing Globally Growing Numbers of People Suffering from Disabling Hearing Loss

Abstract

Recent prevalence estimates indicate that in 2015 almost half a billion people—about 6.8% of the world’s population—had disabling hearing loss and that prevalence numbers will further increase. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently estimates that at least 34 million children under the age of 15 have disabling hearing loss. Based on a 2012 WHO report, approximately 7.5 million of these children were under the age of 5 years. This review article focuses on the importance of high-quality newborn and infant hearing screening (NIHS) programs as one strategy to ameliorate disabling hearing loss as a global health problem. Two WHO resolutions regarding the prevention of deafness and hearing loss have been adopted urging member states to implement screening programs for early identification of ear diseases and hearing loss in babies and young children. The effectiveness of these programs depends on factors such as governmental mandates and guidance; presence of a national committee with involvement of professionals, industries, and stakeholders; central oversight of hearing screening; clear definition of target parameters; presence of tracking systems with bi-directional data transfer from screening devices to screening centers; accessibility of pediatric audiological services and rehabilitation programs; using telemedicine where connectivity is available; and the opportunity for case discussions in professional excellence circles with boards of experts. There is a lack of such programs in middle- and low-income countries, but even in high-income countries there is potential for improvement. Facing the still growing burden of disabling hearing loss around the world, there is a need to invest in national, high-quality NIHS programs.

Prevalence of aminoglycoside therapy and other determinant factors that induce hearing loss in neonates

“…[7][8][9] In this study craniofacial anomalies has shown statistical significant difference, where 28/56 (50%) of neonate are four to six times higher at risk to develop hearing loss (p=0.002). The similar findings are shown by Bielecki et al and Neumann et al 3,10 The conductive hearing loss was observed to be common risk factor associated with craniofacial anomalies such cleft palate. This is documented in the other previous studies to the presence of middle ear effusions because of poor tensor veli palatine function and increased Eustachian tube compliance.…”

“…Ninety percent of these cases are from developing countries, yet the number can be even higher in low and middle-income countries. 2,3 Neonatal hearing loss is the disorder that can be best managed if diagnosed at early stage of life, say before age of six month. 2,4 Previous studies show that 2-4% of neonates who are admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have significant bilateral hearing loss.…”

Best Practice Guidelines in Managing the Craniofacial Aspects of Skeletal Dysplasia

“…Infants and children with skeletal dysplasia should be part of this screened population. Many other developed countries have followed the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to establish similar hearing screening programs for all infants and children 36 . 11.…”

Effectiveness of Initial Solutions Incorporated Into Early Intervention Delivery Systems for Children With Hearing Loss: Evidence From Hai Phong, Vietnam

“…The solution scheme also contributed to a dramatic change in awareness and interest not only among pregnant women and their families but also among many other people in the community. This result highlights the need for adequate funding and resource allocation for initiatives such as the solution program advanced in this research, especially for screening centers that provide newborn monitoring and intervention monitoring services, as recommended in international research [11]. In addition, Viet Tiep Hospital plans to build a hearing center at the Ear-Nose-Throat Faculty, and the Hearing Impairment School for Speech Therapy intends to enhance its human resources and therapeutic services.…”