title: Modifications of auditory brainstem responses (ABR): observations in full-term and pre-term newborns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we have evaluated by means of auditory brainstem responses (ABR), in a population derived from a newborn hearing screening protocol, some aspects of maturation of the auditory pathways in the first months after birth, and the possible repercussions on early treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective study newborns were recruited through our hearing screening program, and an ABR evaluation was performed on 339 newborns, that had risk factors or had failed the screening, or both. Such population was divided in two groups for statistical analysis purposes: full-term and pre-term. The initial ABR was pathological in 70 infants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed an improvement over time of the estimated hearing threshold in follow-up ABRs in 43 newborns (26 in the full-term group, mean improvement 27.9 dB SPL, and 17 in the pre-term group, mean improvement 34.6 dB SPL); such an improvement might be related to a maturation of the auditory pathways that was not complete at birth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The auditory system might not be completely developed at birth, and might require some months to complete; hence any early clinical approach should consider the possibility of an overtreatment, and any therapeutic strategy should only be considered once the diagnosis is certain and definitive.
authors: Department of Sensory System, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
authors: Rosaria
authors: R
authors: Turchetta
authors: Maria Patrizia
authors: MP
authors: Orlando
authors: Maria Gloria
authors: MG
authors: Cammeresi
authors: Giancarlo
authors: G
authors: Altissimi
authors: Tiziana
authors: T
authors: Celani
authors: Filippo
authors: F
authors: Mazzei
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Giacomello
authors: Giancarlo
authors: G
authors: Cianfrone
mesh_terms: D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods; D019370:Observation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D047929:Term Birth / Q000502:physiology