Universal screening for hearing loss in newborns: recommendation statement.

DESCRIPTION. This is the 2008 update of the 2001 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on universal newborn hearing screening. METHODS. The US Preventive Services Task Force weighed the benefits and harms of universal newborn hearing screening, incorporating new evidence addressing gaps identified in the 2001 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Published literature on this topic was identified (by using Medline and Cochrane databases) and systematically reviewed. RECOMMENDATION. Screen for hearing loss in all newborn infants (B recommendation). Pediatrics 2008;122:143–148 ● The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes recommendations about preventive care services for patients without recognized signs or symptoms of the target condition. ● It bases its recommendations on a systematic review of the evidence of the benefits and harms and an assessment of the net benefit of the service. ● The USPSTF recognizes that clinical or policy decisions involve more considerations than this body of evidence alone. Clinicians and policy makers should understand the evidence but individualize decision-making to the specific patient or situation. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION AND EVIDENCE The USPSTF recommends screening for hearing loss in all newborn infants (B recommendation). See figure for a summary of the recommendation and suggestions for clinical practice. Table 1 describes the USPSTF grades, and Table 2 describes the USPSTF classification of levels of certainty about net benefits.