2003 Volume 46 Issue 4 Pages 249-255
We used DPOAE and AABR to screen newborns (all well babies) and one-month-old infants for hearing disorders. Initially only newborns were enrolled in the study, but because the pass rate for screening (64.7%) by DPOAE alone was low, we switched to one-month-old infants as subjects. The pass rate of the one-month-old infants was higher than that of the newborns (94.1%), and repeated examinations improved the pass rate. Finally, the use of AABR in addition improved the pass rate even more (99.1%).
Screening of the one-month-old infants was carried out without major problems. From the standpoint of the relationship between mother and infant, management, counseling and early intervention, the screening at one-month-old infants seemed more useful than the screening of newborns.
A hearing screening amd early intervention system based on agreement among medical staff members, public health nurses, educators, and counselors is needed. Adjustment of the general environment from pregnancy to infant care support is also important.
