The effects and outcomes of electrolyte disturbances and asphyxia on newborns hearing.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of electrolyte disturbances (ED) and asphyxia on infant hearing and hearing outcomes.

STUDY

DESIGN

We conducted newborn hearing screening with transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) test on a large scale (>5000 infants). The effects of ED and asphyxia on infant hearing and hearing outcomes were evaluated.

RESULT: The pass rate of TEOAE test was significantly reduced in preterm infants with ED (83.1%, multiple logistic regression analysis: P<0.01) but not in full-term infants with ED (93.6%, P=0.41). However, there was no significant reduction in the pass rate in infants with asphyxia (P=0.85). We further found that hypocalcaemia significantly reduced the pass rate of TEOAE test (86.8%, P<0.01). In the follow-up recheck at 3 months of age, the pass rate remained low (44.4%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

ED is a high-risk factor for preterm infant hearing. Hypocalcaemia can produce more significant impairment with a low recovery rate.