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Applied Science Private University

Volume Volume 17, 2023 · Issue 1 · Open Access · Double-blind Peer-review

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Hypothesis

Rate and Correlates of Deafness in a Sample of Neonates in a Lebanese University Hospital

Houria Rahal Maoula1,2, Marie Samarani1, Maria Iskandar1 & Souheil Hallit1,3

1 School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon.

2 Ears, Nose and Throat Department, Notre Dame Des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon.

3 Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.

* Corresponding author: Souheil Hallit ([email protected])

Published: 30 Dec 2023

https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-n.v17i1.1319
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Abstract

Background: Neonatal deafness is a silent disability that can lead to severe impairments, particularly in a child’s linguistic and cognitive development, especially if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. If deafness is identified before three months of age and therapies are initiated before six months, the newborn may achieve good cognitive and language development.

Objective: This paper aims to determine the prevalence of deafness in high-risk infants and identify factors associated with deafness in a sample of Lebanese neonates.

Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at the University Hospital Center of Notre Dame des Secours (CHUNDS) in Jbeil, Lebanon, between January 2017 and December 2019, enrolling 180 children. For multivariable analysis, a stepwise backward likelihood ratio logistic regression was performed, using the presence or absence of hearing problems as the dependent variable and including all factors with a p-value < 0.2 from the bivariate analysis as independent variables.

Results: The prevalence of hearing problems (in either ear) was 10% [95% CI 0.056-0.144]. The variables included in the multivariable model explained 61.3% of the variance (Nagelkerke R² = 0.215). The results of the logistic regression showed that in vitro fertilization (ORa = 5.23) was significantly associated with higher odds of hearing problems, whereas the presence of a materno-fetal infection (ORa = 0.17) was significantly associated with lower odds of hearing problems.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on factors associated with hearing loss/deafness among Lebanese neonates. By identifying two new risk factors for the universal screening of deafness, we conclude that there may be other undiscovered factors at play.

KeywordsHearing problemsIn-vitro fertilizationMaterno-fetal infectionNeonates

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