Neurophysiological and Audiological Assessment in At‑risk Infants by Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry in Haryana

Abstract

Background and Aim: Sensorineural hearing loss is a serious neurodevelopmental sequel among high‑risk neonates and is one of the most common congenital disorders. To assess the neurophysiological and audiological impairment in at‑risk infants in Haryana. Methods: This was a time‑bound study of 12 months duration during which 101 at‑risk infants visiting SGT Hospital, Haryana, were enrolled for the study. Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) findings in these children were analyzed. Methodology standardized by IFCN Committee and instrument Neurostim NS‑2 of Medicaid firm were employed. 10–20 International System of EEG Electrode Placement was used for scalp electrode placement. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Software Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Results: Highly significant prolongation of various latencies and interpeak latencies (IPLs) was observed in the cases. Conclusion: Risk factors known to cause hearing loss affect BERA parameters causing highly significant prolongation of latencies and IPLs, suggesting that at‑risk infants are prone to sensorineural hearing loss. Universal newborn hearing screening by BERA can be carried out in children, especially when they come for routine immunization. BERA is the only test that gives precise information about hearing sensitivity in children, especially <1 year of age.