1. Every infant admitted to the NICU is assessed, based on the following criteria, to evaluate the need for hearing screening.
2. This assessment is done by the physician.
3. In preparation for discharge, the physician writes an order directing the audiologist to perform a hearing screening test.
4. Following current practice, infants are screened just prior to discharge.

Criteria

1. Birth weight less than 1,500 grams (3.3lbs.)
2. Family history of hereditary childhood sesorineural hearing loss.
3. In utero infection, such as Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, Syphilis, Herpes, and Toxoplasmosis.
4. Craniofacial anomalies, including those with morphological abnormalities of the pinna and ear canal.
5. Hyperbilirubinemia at a serum level requiring exchange transfusion.
6. Bacterial Meningitis.
7. Apgar scores of 0-4 at 1 minute or 0-6 at 5 minutes.
8. Mechanical ventilation lasting greater than a week
9. Stigmata or other findings associasted with a syndrome known to include a sensorineural and/or conductive hearing loss.
10. Aminoglycosides used in multiple courses (greater than 2).
11. Aminoglycosides used in combination with loop diuretics (ethacrynic acid, furosemide).

AUTHORS

About NICU-WEB Authorship

EMAIL feedback regarding this document