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10/26/2019  |   3:45 PM - 5:00 PM   |  Ventana Ballroom C

Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening in Nairobi, Kenya

Newborn and infant hearing screening in Nairobi Kenya Serah Ndegwa, Debara Tucci, Florence Murila, Isaac Macharia ABSTRACT Background: Early detection of permanent hearing loss and subsequent intervention have been found to be improved speech and language outcomes, better educational performance and improved social economic prospects in adult life. This can be achieved through establishing newborn and infant hearing screening programs. Objective: This was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with hearing loss in newborns and infants. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study at the National teaching and referral hospital and an immunization clinic selected through convenience sampling. A total of 9,963 babies (0-3 months of age) were enrolled in the hearing screening program over a period of 8 months. A case history was obtained using a questionnaire followed by a two stage screening protocol using Distortion Product Oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and automated brainstem response (AABR). Rescreening was conducted within six weeks for those who referred. Those referring after the rescreen underwent a diagnostic audiological assessment. Results: The screening coverage rate was 98.6% (9963/10,104). The referral rate for the initial screen was 3.6% (356/ 9,963), the return rate for follow-up rescreening was 72% ( 258 babies out of 356) with a lost to follow-up rate of 28% (98/356). Diagnostic hearing evaluation was conducted on 26/258 babies who referred after the follow-up screening All the babies were confirmed with hearing loss yielding a prevalence of 3/1000. The risk factors for hearing loss were a family history of childhood sensorineural hearing loss, mechanical ventilation and ototoxic medication, p value (p<0.001). Neonatal jaundice (p<0.01). Conclusion: Establishing a newborn hearing screening program is essential for early diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss. Data management and an efficient follow-up system are an integral part in achieving diagnostic confirmation of hearing loss and early intervention.

• By the end of the presentation the participants will know:- the prevalence of hearing loss in newborns and infants in Nairobi Kenya
• The factors associated with hearing loss
• Universal newborn hearing screening is feasible in low resource countries

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Serah N. Ndegwa, Msc (POC,Primary Presenter,Author,Co-Author), UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI, serahndegwa8@gmail.com;
I am a Clinical Audiologist and lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Program director for the Diploma training program in Audiology and Public Health Otology, Co-founder of Cochlear Implant Group of Kenya, Secretary of the Kenya Society of Audiology, Member of the technical working group for the National Plan for Ear and Hearing Care at the Ministry of Health in Kenya, Co-rdinator of the Public Health planning for Hearing Impairment course in Nairobi.

ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Receives In kind,Grants for Consulting from Medel company and Natus medical.   Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

AAA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Receives support from MEDEL COMPANY NATUS MEDICAL CORPORATION .