[Program of hearing loss early detection in newborn infants in Cantabria. Results of the first year of activities].
OBJECTIVE
To report the findings in the first year of follow-up of the Cantabrian Program to screen newborn babies for congenital permanent hearing loss.


METHODS
The study population consisted of infants born during a year period in Cantabria (Spain). Universal hearing screening by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) in 2 stage protocol was performed. Infants with failure scores in these 2 stages and those with risk factors for hearing loss were referred for diagnostic evaluation with auditory brainstem response. Hearing aids were recommended for those infants who had bilateral hearing loss and referrals to infant speech and language rehabilitation.


RESULTS
Out of the 4117 eligible babies, 3987 were studied. One hundred and ten (2.6) had risk factors for hearing loss, 3.5% were referred for audiological assessment and 1.2/1000 were diagnosed as having a permanent hearing loss. The false-positive rate was 0.72% after the two-stage screening procedure was performed. Positive predictive value for permanent hearing loss was 10%.


CONCLUSIONS
During the first year working with the Cantabrian Screening Program for congenital permanent hearing loss in newborn babies, the most part of the proposed aims have been achieved.
Morales Angulo
C
C
Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega, Cantabria. cmorales@mundivia.es
González de Aledo Linos
A
A
Bonilla Miera
C
C
Mazón Gutiérrez
A
A
Santiuste Aja
F J
FJ
Barrasa Benito
J
J
Gómez Ullate
J
J
Gómez da Casa
F
F
Pérez Vallés
I
I
Mongil Ruiz
I
I
Muñiz González
A
A
D000367:Age Factors; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors