Study of reversibility of auditory brainstem abnormalities in infants with high risk for hearing loss

ObjectivesThis study aimed at assessing the reversibility of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) abnormalities in neonates; with risk factors such as hyperbilirubinemia or hypoxia after therapy.MethodologyTwo groups A and B consisting of 10 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (term and preterm) and 10 hypoxic neonates (term and preterm) respectively, had their BAER initially recorded at an age of less than 1 month (as soon as they were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit), and later at the age of 6 months. Criteria for diagnosing infants with hyperbilirubinemia or hypoxia were a serum bilirubin of >20 mg/dl and an Apgar score less than 6, respectively. A complete medical and family history was taken from the parents. Otoscopic examination, tympanometry, Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were also done.ResultsAll neonates (100%) had initial BAER abnormalities; thus fulfilling our selection criteria. BAER after 6 months showed significant improvements in both groups; 60% for group A and 55% for group B.ConclusionsSerial BAER is a useful, noninvasive tool to detect neurodevelopmental delay secondary to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and hypoxia.