High risk register--an economical tool for early identification of hearing loss.

Deafness needs to be dignified nearly as its adverse effects increase with the degree and age of onset. The high risk register helps to alert the professional to suspect the presence of this hidden handicap. Histories of 281 hearing impaired children and 158 normal children was collected and analysed. Risk items that appeared significant were--rashes with fever during pregnancy, family history of childhood deafness, asphyxia at birth or blue baby, prematurity (less than 32-34 gestational weeks), low birth weight (less than 1200 gm), hyperbilirubinemia, birth defects of ear nose, throat and head, consanguineous marriage (cousin), parental concerns about their child's hearing. These high risk factors could help in identifying hearing impairment early and in envisaging quality habilitation programs.