Positive Incidence of ABR in Newborns Detected to Have “Refer” in DPOAE

Abstract

Introduction: OAE & ABR are screening tests  used for newborn screening. The main objective of the study is to determine the incidence of positivity of ABR in newborns detected to have “Refer” in DPOAE in UNHS(Universal Newborn Hearing Screening).

Materials & Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center over a period of one year from Jan 2020 to July 2021. All neonates will be screened by DPOAE between  day 1 to day 28 (first visit). If it is reported ‘Refer’, DPOAE will be repeated either after 6 weeks or on the  first immunization day (second visit). If it is again reported as ‘Refer’, the neonate will undergo ABR (third visit). The results were recorded & compiled. The data was analysed statistically using SPSS software (version 20).

Results: Out of the 409 neonates, 315 (77.0%) were reported as “Pass” and 94 (23.0%) were reported as “Refer” during DPOAE first visit. The  neonates (94)  with test result “Refer” in DPOAE 1 (first visit) were considered for DPOAE 2 (second visit) & 77 (83.0%) were reported as “Pass” and 17(17.0%) were reported as “Refer”. The 16 infants who underwent Diagnostic ABR, 6 (37.5%) were reported as “Normal” whereas 10(62.5%) were reported as “Abnormal” group.

Conclusion: This study recommends  universal screening with OAE & ABR to facilitate early detection of auditory neuropathy and to initiate aural rehabilitation, especially in high-risk groups such as NICU & preterm neonates 

Keywords: OAE(Otoacoustic emissions), ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) , UNHS(Universal Newborn Hearing Screening).