USA Surgery Today

The ill infant, term or preterm, is at risk for damage to the auditory system. Risk factors include congenital infections, shock, hypoxia, hyperbilirubinemia, and the use of ototoxic drugs. Between 2% and 12% of survivors of neonatal intensive care develop moderate to profound hearing loss (81). Preterm infants with birth weights of less than 1,500 g are at highest risk, with 9% to 17% affected (82:Aceon). Early detection of hearing impairment is critical for optimizing speech and language development.