Visual reinforcement audiometry in infants who born term and pre-term: minimum response level

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the Minimum Response Level (MRL) in infants, born term and preterm, considering some variables. In addition, to investigate the relationship between MRL and different Risk Indicators for Hearing Loss (RIHL). Methods: The sample consisted of 114 infants who had result “pass” in Newborn Hearing screening, from six to eight months old, distributed into two groups according to gestational age. Term group: 75 infants and Pre-term group: 39 infants. The Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) was made with a pediatric audiometer, seeking the MRL. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the MRL regarding the side of the presentation. The MRL's in 2 khz and 4 khz in the Term Group were lower in female babies. Comparing the MRL between the two groups there was not statistically significant difference. The higher MRL's are among the infants with the following RIHL: Intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, use of ototoxic drugs, mechanical ventilation and tobacco use by the mother during pregnancy. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in the MRL regarding the side of the presentation of the stimuli and between groups. It was observed that the female infants of the term group had lower mrls in the frequencies of 2KHz and 4KHz. Some RIHL influenced the performance of infants in the VRA.