Vernix in external ear canal: The manageable factor affecting newborn hearing screening results prior to hospital discharge
Keywords:
Newborn hearing screening, Vernix, Age, Otoacoustic emissionAbstract
Vernix obstruction in external ear canal leads to ineffective signal transmission between the equipment and inner ear during newborn hearing screening and contributes to a factor that cause false-positive result.
The retrospective chart review was conducted to compare referral rate in Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing between newborns prior vernix clearance and the same population after vernix clearance only in case of “Refer” result of low risk newborns aged 0-3 days old during hospital admission. 810 Newborns were recruited. Referral rate for initial OAE was 40.25% (326/810). This “Refer” group was sent to otolaryngologist for ear examination and vernix clearance if vernix obstruction was diagnosed. Referral rate after the clearance was 1.85% (15/810). 12 from 15 Newborns with “Refer” result proceeded the third test as OPD case. Referral rate of the third test is 0.12% (1/810). Referral rate of the newborns without cleaning of vernix (initial OAE) were decreased after vernix clearance significantly (P value <.00001) with odd ratio of 35.7. To conclude, vernix obstruction is important factor that cause false-positive result in OAE testing especially in early days of birth. Vernix clearance decreases referral rate significantly. Setting up the hearing screening program prior discharge that include vernix clearance in case of “Refer” result shows its effectiveness and could be considered to implement according to healthcare facilities’ circumstance.
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