Late Onset Hearing Loss in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of late onset hearing loss and associated risk factors in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective study (2003-2015) of post-discharge hearing outcomes and risk factors in the VLBW infant population, before and after the institution of a standardized follow-up program.

RESULTS

Late onset hearing loss increased from 2.9 per 100 VLBW infants to 7.8 per 100 after instituting a monitoring protocol. The follow-up compliance rate nearly doubled. Both infants with late-onset sensorineural hearing loss and those with a conductive component were identified. The rate of conductive loss detection increased seven-fold.

CONCLUSION

The institution of a standardized hearing follow-up program significantly increased the detection of late onset hearing loss in VLBW infants. A significant proportion of those with late onset hearing loss had a conductive component. Without identification and treatment, even conductive losses may negatively impact speech and language development.