A cross-sectional study of neonatal hearing impairment: understanding its prevalence and risk factors in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India

Background: Congenital hearing loss is one of the most prevalent sensory impairments with severe consequences when undetected. The objective neonatal screening to identify shortly after birth initiate treatment as soon possible and allow affected children enjoy normal development. aim study was determine prevalence predisposing factors HI among neonates in a tertiary care centre Idukki district Kerala using universal (UNHS) program, an attempt early interventions neonates. Methods: This cross-sectional conducted department ENT, Al Azhar Medical College Super Specialty Hospital, Thodupuzha, over period 1 year involving 646 excluded any newborn whose parent/guardian did not give consent for study, or microtia grade II above. Results: overall HL our 3.1 1000 live births out which 61% were males 39% females. risk found preterm babies, maternal age >35, low weight, teenage pregnancy, primigravida, jaundice requiring blood transfusion. Conclusions: In standard population, both at-risk non-at-risk warrant immediate adoption program all India. Hence, we would like stress importance identifying infants HL, administering performing appropriate tests at right time period.