Electrophysiological diagnostic process in neonates after failure in Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)

Abstract

Introduction: Universal Newborn Hearing Screening is an important public health strategy to identify and diagnose hearing loss early in newborns. Adherence to the stages of screening, diagnosis, and rehabilitation within recommended timeframes is essential to ensure adequate development of auditory and language skills. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the diagnostic pathway of these children, considering the time of initiation and completion, the factors involved, and the audiological findings, as a basis to improve care pathways and ensure effectiveness of actions in pediatric hearing health. Objective: This study aims to investigate the electrophysiological diagnostic process in neonates who failed Universal Newborn Hearing Screening. Method: A descriptive-exploratory study with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Medical records of infants up to 12 months old who attended audiological assessment following failure in Universal Newborn Hearing Screening or lack of screening were analyzed. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlations, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression models with a significance level of 5%. Results: The sample consisted of 24 children referred after failure in universal newborn hearing screening. The mean age at diagnosis initiation was 78 days, with 25% of children beginning the process at 90 days or older. Of the 24 children, 79.2% completed the diagnosis. Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of coordination between screening and diagnosis, family support, and efficient organization of care pathways to ensure the full development of children with hearing loss.