BRAINSTEM EVOKED RESPONSE AUDIOMETRY IN HIGH RISK INFANTS

Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA), being the most sensitive and specific test of hearing assessment in new-borns is beneficial for early detection of hearing impairment in high risk infants. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE BERA was recorded in all high risk infants as defined by JCIH, 2007 criteria for identification of hearing deficits and to identify severity of hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS 45 high risk infants having one or more risk factors according to JCIH, 2007 criteria were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study and were compared with 30 age matched controls. BERA was performed using RMS EMG EP MK II machine and hearing threshold, absolute latencies of wave I, III and V were interpreted. RESULT AND DISCUSSION Mild hearing impairment was noticed in majority (55.5%) of high risk infants. Wave I, V and I-V interpeak latency of left ear and wave I latency of right ear was found to be significantly prolonged (p<0.05) in cases as compared to controls. Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy and neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia carry much higher risk of hearing impairment as compared to other high risk factors. Hypoxia of brainstem and cochlea resulting in changes at cellular level is believed to be the possible cause predisposing to auditory deficits. CONCLUSION Screening by BERA at an early age is beneficial for early diagnosis of hearing impairment, so that possible interventions can be used as early as possible and prevent developmental delays in newborns.