Significant hearing loss is the most common disorder at birth and leads to delayed language development, difficulties with behavior, psychosocial interactions, and poor academic achievement. On the occasion of World’s Deaf Day, this article presents an overview of screening techniques for hearing loss in neonates. The extent of hearing loss is defined by measuring the hearing threshold in decibels (dB) at various frequencies. A normal hearing has a threshold of 0 to 20 dB.
Hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. In individuals with bilateral hearing loss, the severity of loss is based on the better-functioning ear. Severity of hearing loss is defined as follows: Mild − 20 to 40 dB Moderate − 41 to 60 dB Severe − 61 to 90 dB, or 61 to 80 dB based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition Profound − >90 dB, or >80 dB based on WHO definition Rational For Screening: Screening…
