Methodology: Neonatal hearing screening

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this review was to gather available evidence on methodologies for performing neonatal hearing screening in terms of use and effectiveness (1) METHODS: A search for articles was conducted in electronic databases, within the framework of a descriptive, retrospective study, in relation to the application of universal neonatal hearing screening. RESULTS: 30 articles were included, identifying that the most applied tests are Transient OEA (TEOAE) and Brainstem Short Latency Evoked Potentials. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: It was evident that in the application of these prevalent methodologies, the speech therapy professional is not always included. The criteria for performing it in most cases are associated with high risk parameters at birth and it is not always carried out in all births as established in the Universal neonatal screening policy (2) CONCLUSIONS: The participation of specialized personnel such as otorhinolaryngologists, speech therapists and audiologists in performing the hearing screening is relevant (3). A timely diagnosis, care and rehabilitation can make a difference in child development, however there is not enough evidence on the behaviors to follow according to the type of finding in the hearing screening.