Hearing Abnormality in Neonate Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Yazd-Iran

Introduction: Hearing impairment and hearing loss are kinds of latent handicap in children. Any abnormality in hearing can affect different aspects of life. Otoacoustic emissions have been accepted as an appropriate method for screening of hearing loss in neonates. In this study we assessed the hearing status of infants admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wards in Yazd. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on hearing status of infants admitted in ICU wards of Yazd hospital in 2012-2013. Data was collected using a questionnaire involving demographic data of the infants and their parents. Data was gathered from infants’ medical files and interview by their parents. Data was analyzed by SPSS- 20, using chi square test. Results: 514 infants were introduced for primary screening. 82 subjects were referred for the second step of Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test. Seventy subjects referred for second OAE. Among all 25 infants with hearing impairment, there was no family history of hearing loss, but among the subjects with normal hearing, 5 subjects showed hearing loss. Conclusion: Hearing loss in neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit (NICU) is more common than general population. Early diagnosis of hearing impairment is essential for prevention of future disabilities and development of their life quality which explains the need to screen all neonates for hearing impairment.