Newborn hearing screening in Queensland 2009–2011: comparison of hearing screening and diagnostic audiological assessment between term and preterm infants

This study compares rates and timing of newborn hearing screening outcomes, audiological assessment and hearing loss diagnosis between infants of different gestational age groups. Early identification and management of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), ideally by 3-6 months of age, facilitates speech and language optimisation. Literature stratifying hearing screening and diagnostic audiology assessment by gestational age groups is lacking.Subjects were infants with recorded gestational ages receiving newborn hearing screening in Queensland between 2009 and 2011. Data were provided through the Queensland Healthy Hearing database. Infants were analysed in 40 dB occurred in 2.4 for 40 dB SNHL and 88.2% for other hearing loss. Relative to term, preterm infants had a higher incidence of direct and targeted surveillance referrals, audiology assessment and hearing loss diagnosis. Preterm infants were screened later after birth.Specific hearing screening and diagnosis characteristics differed between preterm infants 40 dB SNHL than term but correspondingly higher false positive results on screening, justifying vigilant monitoring. Focused research into specific risk factors in preterm infants is warranted