Congenital deafness is a major pediatric problem, affecting about 1.5-3 per 1000 newborns. The early treatment through cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation has been a historic milestone. Early diagnosis of congenital deafness is an essential requirement to obtain the best results, which is achieved through neonatal screening, a diagnostic practice that we began systematically at the Hospital Clínico in Valencia (Spain) 30 years ago.
Hearing screening for newborn babies is an established protocol in many high-income countries. Implementing such screening has yielded significant socioeconomic advantages at both an individual and societal level. This has yet to permeate low/middle-income countries (LMIC). Here, we illustrate how newborn hearing screening needs to be contextually adapted for effective utilisation and implementation in an LMIC. Specifically, this advocates the use of auditory brainstem testing as the first-line approach. We propose that such adaptation serves to maximise clinical efficacy and community participation at a reduced cost.
Keypoints to a Successful Newborn Hearing Screening. Thirty Years of Experience and Innovations
