Universal newborn hearing screening in the Champagne-Ardenne region: A 4-year follow-up after early diagnosis of hearing impairment

Introduction

Permanent congenital hearing loss is one of the most frequent congenital anomaly at birth. Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) was introduced in numerous countries in order to allow an early diagnosis and intervention for congenital hearing impairment.

Objective

First aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of early diagnosis of hearing impairment after UNHS. Second aim is to discuss the auditory intervention proposed after this diagnosis. Last aim is to evaluate the relevance of UNHS for early diagnosis and intervention.

Materials and methods

Prospective study. UNHS program was introduced in the entire French region of Champagne-Ardenne in January 2004. Forty-one children have benefited of an early diagnosis of hearing impairment until June 2007. They were included in an intervention program consisting of an audiometric follow-up and an auditory intervention. This program was conducted until June 2008.

Results

There were 28 males patients and 13 females patients. The diagnosis of hearing aid impairment was carried at an average age of 3.2-month. The auditory follow-up allowed confirming the initial diagnosis of deafness for the majority of the children as for their degree of hearing loss. Auditory intervention was heterogeneous depending on degree of hearing loss of the children.

Conclusion

This UNHS program demonstrates its validity and feasibility for early diagnosis and intervention of congenital hearing impairment. It brought a major impact on the management of congenital hearing impairment in Champagne-Ardenne.