Abstract
Seven high risk neonates who passed initial brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing had hearing loss on subsequent audiologic evaluation. Gestational ages were 36±5 weeks (M±SD) with birthweights 2483±975 gms. Clinical problems which they had in common included: lung disease requiring ventilation for 1 month; persistent fetal circulation; evidence of CNS insult (5 abnormal EEG's, 4 seizures, 2 hydrocephalus, and 1 documented parenchymal bleed). All received the following medications: ampicillin, gentamicin, furosemide, chlorothiazide, isoproterenol, and pancuronium. Their hospital stay was 81±23, range 53–124 days. Initial BAER testing using “click” stimuli at 60dB and 30dB in each ear was done at the time of discharge. (All infants were past term by corrected age.) Wave V responses occurred at latencies within the range of 7.5 to 8.5 msec at 60dB and 8.5 to 9.5 msec at 30dB (within normal limits). Audiologic evaluation using Conditioned Orientation Response (COR) was done at a mean age of 18±3, range 13–20 months. The level of hearing loss in all 7 children was severe to profound (> 80dB). We conclude that infants who have been very ill during the neonatal period, including term infants, may remain at risk for development of subsequent hearing loss even though they have passed a BAER test at 1–3 months of age.
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Nield, T., Schrier, S., Ramos, A. et al. 55 UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT OF HEARING LOSS IN HIGH RISK NEONATES. Pediatr Res 19, 120 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00085
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00085