Artikel
Early diagnosis of permanent glue ear by universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS)
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Veröffentlicht: | 6. Juli 2010 |
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Gliederung
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The introduction of a universal newborn hearing screening is an effective tool for the diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss. Additionally, it also helps to make an earlier diagnosis in permanent secretory otitis media with effusion (glue ear). Up till now these children are often recognized by speech development disorders or auditive processing and perception disorders with consecutive school failure. An early diagnosis of these patients may help to prevent these long lasting consequences.
Between January 2007 and November 2008 290 infants were transferred to our institution for confirmation diagnostics after failed UNHS. In 220 of them normal hearing by TEOAE and AABR rescreening were found. 20 had a sensorineural hearing loss, and in 50 a glue ear was diagnosed.
In the follow up of 50 patients with glue ear 15 did not show spontaneous resolution of the fluid. 5 had a syndrome or dysplasia of the facial skull (Goldenhar-Syndrome, Trisomia 21, palatal cleft, frontonasal dysplasia). The other 10 did not present such symptoms.
13 children with permanent glue ear underwent surgical therapy (adenotomy with grommet insertion or grommet insertion only). In the postoperative follow up 8 patients demonstrated normal hearing abilities, 2 presented recurrent glue ear and received a second surgery, 2 had only slight hearing impairment (<20 dB) and one child with trisomia 21 was supplied with a hearing device.
We conclude that UNHS is able to diagnose and treat children with permanent glue ear at an earlier time.