Prevalence and risk factors of hearing loss among infants in Jordan: Initial results from universal neonatal screening

Objective: To determine the association of reported risk factors with hearing loss, and explore the possible contribution of other risk factors that may improve identifying Jordanian children for whom interventions should be provided. Design: A cross-sectional study was performed in 37 hospitals and mother-child clinics from different health sectors in Jordan. The hearing screening protocol was performed in three stages. Data collected as risk factors for infant hearing loss included those on the 2007 Joint Committee on Infant Hearing list as well as other factors believed to be possibly significant. Study sample: All babies born in or attending any of these hospitals or clinics were screened for hearing loss, which included a total of 63 041. Results: Of the 63 042 infants, 966 (1.5%) were confirmed to have significant hearing loss. We identified additional risk factors that were associated with hearing loss in infants. Conclusion: These preliminary data add to the understanding of the epidemiology of hearing loss in Jordan. The presence of at least one JCIH risk factor, admission to NICU for > 5 days, age, birth weight, postnatal hypoxia, and mode of delivery were independently associated with hearing loss.