Newborn Hearing Screening Program Outcomes in Malaysia
Author Information
Author(s): Ahmad Amirozi Mohamad, Irfan Mansor, Suzana Daud, Mohd Khairi Sidek, Dinsuhaimi
Primary Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia
Hypothesis
What are the outcomes of the newborn hearing screening program implemented at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia over the first five years?
Conclusion
The newborn hearing screening program is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment, despite a low prevalence of such impairments.
Supporting Evidence
- 98% of newborns were screened in the program.
- The prevalence of hearing impairment was found to be 0.09%.
- The mean age at detection of hearing impairment was 3.3 months.
- The mean age at fitting of a hearing aid was 13.6 months.
- The initial screening referral rate was 25.5%.
Takeaway
This study shows that most babies in the hospital were checked for hearing problems, which helps catch issues early so they can get the help they need.
Methodology
The study involved a retrospective review of newborns screened for hearing impairment, analyzing coverage, prevalence, referral rates, and ages at detection and hearing aid fitting.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to high default rates and difficulties in tracking follow-up for initial positive screenings.
Limitations
High default rates for follow-up screenings affected the accuracy of prevalence figures.
Participant Demographics
51% boys and 49% girls, with 97.5% being Malays.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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