BY: DR. BRIAN PERRY
NEUROTOLOGY SPECIALIST SPECIALIZING IN SKULL BASED SURGERY
OFFICE ADDRESS:
1100 EAST DOVE AVENUE, SUITE 402
MCALLEN, TEXAS 78504
FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL: 956) 362-8125
SEPTEMBER IS NEWBORN SCREENING AWARENESS MONTH
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) has become the standard in most developed countries due to the relatively high prevalence of hearing loss in children. Studies on the incidence of hearing loss in children demonstrate that one to three out of 1,000 children are born with a severe hearing loss; and the rate nearly doubles for those children who require an ICU stay.
Congenital hearing loss can result from genetic, infectious, and metabolic factors. Non-syndromic, genetic causes are the most common, followed by congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. These are important to note, as both parents will be normal hearing, and the child will not have “risk factors” for hearing loss.
It is well established that delays in identification of hearing loss can result in significant speech delay, poor literacy rate, lack of social development, and reduced academic achievement. Identification and intervention of hearing loss before six months of age reduces these risks. UNHS involves a two-pronged approach: hearing screening in the hospital prior to discharge, and follow-up testing for those infants who fail.
There are several forms of initial screen, each of which is quick and painless. Newborns will often sleep through the process. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) screening involves inserting a small probe into the ear canal to play sounds and check for echoes. Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) screening involves placing electrodes on the newborn’s scalp to measure the brain’s response to sound.
As congenital CMV is the second most common cause of pediatric hearing loss—and often asymptomatic—it is important to also screen every newborn for CMV. It requires little more than a saliva swab for CMV DNA, and early intervention with antiviral therapy can reduce, and even reverse, hearing loss.
Genetic therapies for hearing loss have become reality, and as more treatments become available, it will be essential for children with hearing loss to be genetically tested. Treatment options for hearing loss include the use of hearing aids, as well as cochlear implantation, which can now be done as early as 6 months of age.
ABOUT DR. PERRY
Dr. Brian Perry seeing both pediatric and adult patients at DHR Health’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Institute, located in north McAllen at 1100 Dove Avenue. He is board certified in otolaryngology (a medical specialty in ear, nose, and throat) and neurotology (surgery based on parts of the skull and nervous system related to hearing and balance), having over 30 years of experience in the field. To make an appointment, please call (956) 362-8125.
