PURPOSE: to assess the prevalence of hearing loss in a newborn hearing screening program and investigate mutations in the GJB2 gene in those with suspected hearing loss. METHOD: we performed longitudinal study of 908 term infants, post-term and preterm infants who underwent hearing screening by the test Emission Transient Evoked Otoacoustic (EOA-T) and cochlear palpebral reflex. For newborns, those who failed the hearing screening in one or both ears, were referred to a second evaluation. In the retest, while the EOA-T test result in not passing on one or both ears, the child was referred for evaluation and otorhinolaringology management. After completing the Auditory Evoked Potential test, the team of evaluators decided whether it should refer the child to investigate the mutation. When there was suspicion of hearing impairment we collected 3 mL of peripheral venous blood for the detection of mutation in the connexin 26 gene. RESULTS: we observed the presence of conductive hearing loss in 2 neonates (0.22%) and sensorineural in 1 (0.11%). In children with sensorineural hearing loss we detected the presence of 35delG mutation. CONCLUSION: the audiological assessment in conjunction with molecular tests of the main GJB2 gene mutations in newborns with suspected hearing loss contributed to the rapid audiological diagnostic, seeking early intervention, educational and genetic counseling and prognosis of the child.
Neonatal Screening; Hearing Loss; Newborn; Hearing Tests; Mutation
