Abstract
Introduction: Hearing impairment is often associated with pregnancy infections such as Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (TORCH). Objective: To determine the prevalence of hearing impairment using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and to analyze the associated risk factors in neonates with dual/multiple TORCH infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2019. Infants admitted to the intermediate room during the study period were included in the study and underwent OAE testing to evaluate for hearing impairment. Infants with OAE refer tested with TORC examination. Prevalence of hearing impairment with dual/multiple TORC infections was calculated, and the Odds Ratio for specific risk factors was measured using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Over the period, 50 babies were screened. Forty-three babies (86%) presented with normal hearing on OAE testing. Seven babies (14%) responded to OAE referral. Out of 7 infants, one infant classified as OAE refer had early discharge, and the six of them underwent TORC examination. Of the 6 infants, 5 had dual or multiple TORCH infections. By univariate analysis, the highest risk factor for hearing impairment and dual/multiple TORC infection was the premature rupture of membranes, OR 41; 95% CI 3,65–46,03. Correlation between dual/multiple TORC infection and hearing impairment was statistically significant, p = 0.001, R = 0.826. Conclusion: The incidence of hearing impairment among neonates in our study is almost similar to that in the previous study. Eighty percent of them had dual/multiple TORC infections. The premature rupture of the membrane is the commonly associated risk factor in this study.