Hearing Screening In NICU Graduates Introduction: NICU graduates are at a high risk for developing sensorineural hearing defects. Babies having following conditions are at higher risk and should be referred for hearing testing: - Family history of hereditary childhood hearing loss. - Birth weight of less than 1500 grams. - Intrauterine infection - cytomegalovirus, rubella, syphilis, herpes, toxoplasmosis etc. - Bacterial meningitis, encephalitis.
- Hyperbilirubinemia (high enough to warrant exchange transfusion) - Craniofacial anomalies with malformations of the ear and abnormalities of palate & lips. - Ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, loop diuretics) - Mechanical ventilation required for 5 days or more. - Central nervous system insult- birth asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, neonatal seizures etc. Infants at risk should have the screening alone prior to discharge. Some infants may…
