Auditory dysfunction and perinatal risk factors in high-risk infants: Insights from brainstem evoked response audiometry

Congenital hearing impairment is a major developmental disability, especially among infants with perinatal risk factors. This cross-sectional study evaluated 150 high-risk neonates in a NICU using Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). Abnormal BERA findings were observed in 30% of infants, with significant associations to severe hyperbilirubinemia, perinatal asphyxia and prolonged mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). Mean wave V latency was notably prolonged in infants with abnormal results. Thus, we show the importance of universal newborn hearing screening, particularly in high-risk groups, to enable early diagnosis and timely intervention.