A modern look at the factors influencing the development of sensorineural hearing loss in newborns

Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common congenital disorders. This review summarizes current data on factors influencing its development in newborns, with an emphasis on genetic, prenatal (infections, toxic effects), perinatal (asphyxia, prematurity), and postnatal (meningitis, ototoxic drugs) factors. The mechanisms of the complex and cumulative effects of risk factors on the auditory analyzer of a newborn are considered. Current data on the effects of maternal risk factors during the prenatal period, as well as the neuroprotective effects of breast milk components after birth, are presented. An algorithm for screening hearing in children in outpatient settings has been proposed, which is recommended for use from birth to 4 years of age for the diagnosis of delayed hearing disorders in children with existing risk factors. Monitoring should be carried out regularly, starting at 3 months of age, with annual examinations until the child reaches 3–4 years of age. The review demonstrates the need for a comprehensive approach to screening, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of newborns with sensorineural hearing loss to improve their hearing and speech skills. Key words: premature newborns, audiological screening, childhood hearing loss, audiometric monitoring, risk factors for hearing loss