Newborn hearing screening project using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions: Western Sicily experience

Assessment of Deafness in Term Infants with Birth Asphyxia with Otoacoustic Emission and Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry: A Prospective Observational Study

To assess deafness in term infant with birth asphyxia by otoacoustic emission and brain stem evoked response audiometry. A Prospective observational study was done at Tertiary care government hospital from 15/02/2021 to 15/10/2022.Total 130 patients were included in the study by consecutive sampling method. All the patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria during the study period were included. After explaining the aims, objectives and methods of study, written informed consent was obtained from the parents to undergo Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) and Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry Test (BERA). Data was entered in case record form. Collected data was analysed by appropriate statistical methods. Hearing impairment was present in eight (6.15%) asphyxiated term infants. A mild degree of hearing loss was seen in three (37.5%), a moderate degree of hearing loss was seen in four (50%), severe degree of hearing loss was seen in one (12.5%) asphyxiated term infant. In asphyxiated term infants, no significant difference in hearing loss was seen with respect to gender, Obstetrics history, and type of delivery. Significant difference in hearing loss was seen in antenatal Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of SNHL and APGAR Score less than 6. Severe degree of hearing loss was seen in prolonged labour and HTN mother. Significant difference in hearing loss was seen in antenatal Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of SNHL and APGAR Score less than 4 and 6 in one and five minutes respectively. Severe degree of hearing loss was seen in prolonged labour and HTN mother.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04736-2.

Protocol and programme factors associated with referral and loss to follow-up from newborn hearing screening: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

An effective newborn hearing screening programme has low referral rate and low loss to follow-up (LTFU) rate after referral from initial screening. This systematic review identified studies evaluating the effect of protocol and programme factors on these two outcomes, including the screening method used and the infant group.

METHODS

Five databases were searched (latest: April 2021). Included studies reported original data from newborn hearing screening and described the target outcomes against a protocol or programme level factor. Studies were excluded if results were only available for one risk condition, for each ear, or for < 100 infants, or if methodological bias was observed. Included studies were evaluated for quality across three domains: sample, screening and outcome, using modified criteria from the Ottawa-Newcastle and QUADAS-2 scales. Findings from the included studies were synthesised in tables, figures and text.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight studies reported on referral rate, 8 on LTFU rate, and 35 on both. Only 15 studies defined LTFU. Substantial diversity in referral and LTFU rate was observed across studies. Twelve of fourteen studies that evaluated screening method showed lower referral rates with aABR compared to TEOAE for well babies (WB). Rescreening before hospital discharge and screening after 3 days of age reduced referral rates. Studies investigating LTFU reported lower rates for programmes that had audiologist involvement, did not require fees for step 2, were embedded in a larger regional or national programme, and scheduled follow-up in a location accessible to the families. In programmes with low overall LTFU, higher LTFU was observed for infants from the NICU compared to WB.

CONCLUSION

Although poor reporting and exclusion of non-English articles may limit the generalisability from this review, key influential factors for referral and LTFU rates were identified. Including aABR in WB screening can effectively reduce referral rates, but it is not the only solution. The reported referral and LTFU rates vary largely across studies, implying the contribution of several parameters identified in this review and the context in which the programme is performed. Extra attention should be paid to infants with higher risk for hearing impairment to ensure their return to follow-up.

Performance and characteristics of the Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Campania region (Italy) between 2013 and 2019

Purpose

Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) in the first month of life is crucial for facilitating both early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) of significant permanent hearing impairment (PHI). In Campania region, UNHS has been introduced in 2003 by the Regional Council Resolution and started on January 2007. The aim of this paper is to update a previous article describing the performance of the program since its implementation in the period between 2013 and 2019.

Methods

A longitudinal retrospective study was carried at the Regional Reference Center III on 350,178 babies born in the analysis period. The paper reports the main results of overall coverage, referral rate, lost-to-follow-up rate,yield for PHI and shall determine various risk factor associations with hearing impairment

Results

In Campania region, 318,878 newborns were enrolled at I level, with a coverage rate of 91.06%, 301,818 (86.18%) Well Infant Nurseries (WIN) and 17,060 (5.35%) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) babies. PHI was identified in 413 children, 288 (69.73%) bilaterally and 125 (30.26%) unilaterally. The overall cumulative incidence rate of PHI was 1.29 per 1000 live-born infants (95% CI 1.17–1.42) with a quite steady tendency during the whole study period.

Conclusions

This study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of UNHS in Campania region also in a setting with major socioeconomic and health organization restrictions.The program meets quality benchmarks to evaluate the progress of UNHS. Nowadays, it is possible to achieve an early diagnosis of all types of HL avoiding the consequences of hearing deprivation.

Newborn hearing screening protocols and their outcomes: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a review of the most current research in objective measures used within newborn hearing screening protocols with the aim of exploring the actual protocols in terms of the types of measures used and their frequency of use within a protocol, as well as their outcomes in terms of sensitivity, specificity, false positives, and false negatives in different countries worldwide.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct were used for the literature search. A total of 422 articles were identified, of which only 15 formed part of the current study. The 15 articles that met the study's criteria were reviewed. Pertinent data and findings from the review were tabulated and qualitatively analysed under the following headings: country; objective screening and/or diagnostic measures; details of screening protocol; results (including false positive and negative findings, sensitivity and/or specificity), conclusion and/or recommendations. These tabulated findings were then discussed with conclusions and recommendations offered.

RESULTS

Findings reported in this paper are based on a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis of the reviewed data. Generally, findings in this review revealed firstly, that there is a lack of uniformity in protocols adopted within newborn hearing screening. Secondly, many of the screening protocols reviewed consist of two or more tiers or stages, with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) being most commonly used. Thirdly, DPOAEs appear to be less commonly used when compared to TEOAEs. Lastly, a question around routine inclusion of AABR as part of the NHS protocol remains inconclusively answered.

CONCLUSIONS

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the inclusion of AABR within a NHS programme is effective in achieving better hearing screening outcomes. The use of AABR in combination with OAEs within a test-battery approach or cross-check principle to screening is appropriate, but the inclusion of AABR to facilitate appropriate referral for diagnostic assessment needs to be systematically studied.

Universal newborn hearing screening in the Lazio region, Italy

Background

The introduction of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) programs has drastically contributed to the early diagnosis of hearing loss in children, allowing prompt intervention with significant results on speech and language development in affected children. UNHS in the Lazio region has been initially deliberated in 2012; however, the program has been performed on a universal basis only from 2015. The aim of this retrospective study is to present and discuss the preliminary results of the UNHS program in the Lazio region for the year 2016, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Methods

Data from screening facilities in the Lazio region for year 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Data for Level I centers were supplied by the Lazio regional offices; data for Level II and III centers were provided by units that participated to the study.

Results

During 2016, a total of 44,805 babies were born in the Lazio region. First stage screening was performed on 41,821 children in 37 different birth centers, with a coverage rate of 93.3%. Of these, 38.977 (93.2%) obtained a “pass” response; children with a “refer” result in at least one ear were 2844 (6.8%). Data from Level II facilities are incomplete due to missing reporting, one of the key issues in Lazio UNHS. Third stage evaluation was performed on 365 children in the three level III centers of the region, allowing identification of 70 children with unilateral (40%) or bilateral (60%) hearing loss, with a prevalence of 1.6/1000.

Conclusions

The analysis of 2016 UNHS in the Lazio region allowed identification of several strengths and weaknesses of the initial phase of the program. The strengths include a correct spread and monitoring of UNHS among Level I facilities, with an adequate coverage rate, and the proper execution of audiological monitoring and diagnosis among Level III facilities. Weakness, instead, mainly consisted in lack of an efficient and automated central process for collecting, monitoring and reporting of data and information.

A genotype-phenotype correlation in Sicilian patients with GJB2 biallelic mutations

The aim of this work was to study the genotype distribution of Sicilian patients with biallelic GJB2 mutations; to correlate genotype classes and/or specific mutations of GJB2 gene (35delG-non-35delG) with audiologic profiles. A total of 10 different mutations and 11 different genotypes were evidenced in 73 SNHL subjects; 35delG (90.36 % of cases) and IVS1+1 (13.69 %) were the most common mutations found in the cohort with a significant difference in the distribution between North and South Sicily. Audiological evaluation revealed a severe (16/73) to profound (47/73) hearing loss (HL) in 86.13 % of cases without significant difference between the degree of HL and the province of origin of the subjects (P = 0.727). The homozygous truncating (T/T) genotype was the most widespread (89.04 % of cases), with a severe-to-profound hearing impairment in 90.36 % of T/T class with respect to truncating/non-truncating (T/NT) and non-truncating/non-truncating (NT/NT) genotypes (P = 0.012). From the comparison of homozygous 35delG and 35delG/non-35delG genotypes, a more profound HL in the homozygous 35delG than in compound heterozygous 35delG/non-35delG (p < 0.0001) resulted. This study confirms that 35delG is the most common mutation in the Mediterranean area with a heterogeneous distribution of the genotypes between North and South Sicily; probands homozygotes for 35delG or presenting a T/T genotype are more apt to have a severe-to-profound HL.

Speech perception outcomes after cochlear implantation in prelingually deaf infants: the Western Sicily experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe audiometric characteristics and speech perception performances of prelingually deaf Sicilian children after cochlear implantation; to identify the influence of cochlear implant (CI) user and family's characteristics on speech recognition and intelligibility outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-eight infants with a congenital or acquired hearing impairment and implanted before the 3rd year of life were studied; all children suffered from bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with evidence of lack of hearing aids benefit and no evidence of intellectual disability. The study of the main characteristics associated with CI user and family's profile was performed with a clinical assessment including pre-implant and post-implant (1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months) behavioural audiometry (evaluating average threshold for the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4KHz) and speech recognition tests (IT-MAIS, MUSS, CAP and SIR).

RESULTS

Our cohort was characterized by an early diagnosis of SNHL (5.77 and 12.17 months for congenital and acquired HL respectively), a short length of deafness (average=6.78 months) and an implantation before the 3rd year of life (mean=24.25 months; range from 10 to 36). Analysis of audiometric threshold revealed a significantly improved capacity to detect sounds within the conversational speech spectrum after 12 months from implantation (r=0.99; p<0.001). The main speech recognition test evidenced speech perception and speech intelligibility performances (CAP median value of 3; SIR category=3 in 46.42%) equal to those children with same characteristics reported by literature. With the exception of 'daily CI use' (p<0.001), none of the variables associated with CI user and family's profile resulted significant predictor of speech perception improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates that all children of our cohort, with an early diagnosis of SNHL and a CI surgery performed before the 3rd year of life, presented a progressive audiometric and speech improvement through the first 12-18 months after cochlear implantation. The study also highlights that, differently from the others variables studied, a continuous CI use influences significantly speech perception and recognition outcomes.

Prelingual sensorineural hearing loss and infants at risk: Western Sicily report

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate independent etiologic factor associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in newborn at risk; to study the role of their interaction especially in NICU infants who present often multiple risk factors for SNHL.

METHODS

The main risk factors for SNHL reported by JCIH 2007 were evaluated on 508 infant at risk ranging from 4 to 20 weeks of life, transferred to the Audiology Department of Palermo from the main births centers of Western Sicily. After a global audiological assessment, performed with TEOAE, tympanometry and ABR, the prevalence and the effect of risk factors was statistically studied through univariate and multivariate analysis on the total population (normal and deaf subjects).

RESULTS

Fifty-one infants (10.03%) were diagnosed with SNHL (45 bilateral and 6 monolateral) with a mean hearing threshold of 87.39 ± 28.25 dB HL; from logistic regression analysis family history of hearing impairment (HI) and TORCH infections resulted independent significant risk factors (P<0.00001 and P=0.024 respectively). High SNHL percentages were evidenced also in NICU babies, due to the various pathologies and risk factors presented by these infants, and among newborns who suffered from hyperbilirubinemia requiring exchange transfusion (11.97% and 9.52% respectively). Craniofacial abnormalities (CFA) and syndromes associated to HI showed an important relationship (P<0.00001) with conductive hearing loss (CHL). Multiple regression analysis of the variation in SNHL among NICU infants evidenced an increased risk for SNHL of 21.24% and of 19.33% respectively in preterm infants and in case of hyperbilirubinemia if respiratory distress is concomitant with these risk factors. It was also observed an higher risk of SNHL (99.66%) in case of coexistence of prematurity and hyperbilirubinemia. Finally among infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) it was evidenced a statistically difference between the mean weight of SNHL infants respect to NHL newborns (P=0.048).

CONCLUSION

The high SNHL prevalence (10.03%) in our cohort underlines how infants at risk are more susceptible to suffer from SNHL; in particular NICU newborns have a 33% greater chance of developing SNHL, because of the presence of multiple risk factors (or=1.33) and their interaction. As the number of coexisting risk factors increases, the prevalence of SNHL also increases (r(2)=0.93).

Audiologic profile of infants at risk: experience of a Western Sicily tertiary care centre

OBJECTIVE

To identify the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) on infant at risk and to classify the degree and type of hearing loss describing the main causes associated in Western Sicily. To compare single TEOAE and combined TEOAE/ABR techniques studying the referral rate, the false-positive and false-negative rates through concordance test (κ coefficient), sensitivity (TPR) and specificity (TNR) for each protocol.

METHODS

From January 2010 to June 2011, 412 infants at risk, ranging from 4 to 20 weeks of life, transferred to Audiology Department of Palermo from the births centers of Western Sicily, underwent to audiological assessment with TEOAE, tympanometry and ABR. The following risk factors were studied: family history of SNHL, consanguinity, low birth weight, prematurity, cranio-facial abnormality and syndromes associated to SNHL, respiratory distress, intensive care in excess of 5 days (NICU), pregnant maternal diseases, perinatal sepsis or meningitis, hyperbilirubinemia, ototoxic drugs administration.

RESULTS

Forty-seven infants (11.41%) were diagnosed with SNHL; median corrected age at final audiological diagnosis was 12 weeks. SNHL resulted moderate in 44.68%, severe in 10.64% and profound in 21 cases with a significant difference in family history and NICU infants (p<0.0001). As the number of coexisting risk factors increases, the percentage value of SNHL in infants (χ(2)=12.31, p=0.01, r(2)=0.98) and the degree of hearing loss (χ(2)=13.40, p=0.0095, r=0.92) also increase. The study of single TEOAE and combined TEOAE/ABR showed a statistical difference (χ(2)=14.89, p<0.001) with a low concordance value (κ=0.87) confirming the importance of combined techniques for NICU group (κ=0.86) where four cases (0.97%) of auditory neuropathy were diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the necessity to implement a neonatal hearing screening program in Western Sicily because of the high percentage of SNHL in infants at risk. Family history of HL is an independent significant risk factor for SNHL easily diagnosed through single TEOAE technique. Combined TEOAE/ABR is the gold standard for NICU babies which are at risk for auditory neuropathy. Coexisting risk factors are an additional risk factor for HL.

Prevalence of auditory changes in newborns in a teaching hospital

Introduction: The precocious diagnosis and the intervention in the deafness are of basic importance in the infantile development. The loss auditory and more prevalent than other joined riots to the birth.

Objective: Esteem the prevalence of auditory alterations in just-born in a hospital school.

Method: Prospective transversal study that evaluated 226 just-been born, been born in a public hospital, between May of 2008 the May of 2009.

Results: Of the 226 screened, 46 (20.4%) had presented absence of emissions, having been directed for the second emission. Of the 26 (56.5%) children who had appeared in the retest, 8 (30.8%) had remained with absence and had been directed to the Otolaryngologist. Five (55.5%) had appeared and had been examined by the doctor. Of these, 3 (75.0%) had presented normal otoscopy, being directed for evaluation of the Evoked Potential Auditory of Brainstem (PEATE). Of the total of studied children, 198 (87.6%) had had presence of emissions in one of the tests and, 2 (0.9%) with deafness diagnosis.

Conclusion: The prevalence of auditory alterations in the studied population was of 0,9%. The study it offers given excellent epidemiologists and it presents the first report on the subject, supplying resulted preliminary future implantation and development of a program of neonatal auditory selection.

On the threshold of effective well infant nursery hearing screening in Western Sicily

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of well-infant nursery hearing screening programme for the early identification of hearing impairment, based on transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) with a high "screen sensitivity" reducing the number of more expensive secondary level exams.

METHODS

The newborns were screened by non-specialist health workers in well babies nursery at the twentieth day of life for 6 years consecutive. Based on PASS/FAIL criteria and presence/absence of audiological risk factors the newborns were divided into four groups each one with its personal step programme: G1 - PASS without risk factor, free to go home; G2 - PASS with risk factor, retest at the age of 7 months; G3 - FAIL without risk factor, re-screening after 2 weeks for a maximum of four times before audiology assessment; G4 - FAIL with risk factor, retest after 2 weeks.

RESULTS

The coverage rate increased progressively from 89.8% to 92%. The referral rate was 1.51% after second stage with a specificity value of 98.78%. The four-stage screening performed for G3 reduced the numbers of global audiology assessment to 0.91% with a final global specificity of 99.4 ± 0.4%.

CONCLUSION

Less than 1% of infants underwent audiological assessment; the false positives resulted 0.62% with hearing loss global incidence of 2.95/1000 and a mean age of confirmation of 3.5 months of age. It is reasonable to think that this screening programme could be implement to overall 42 Western Sicily birth centres within few years.

Interdisciplinary approach to design, performance, and quality management in a multicenter newborn hearing screening project: introduction, methods, and results of the newborn hearing screening in Hamburg (Part I)

From the actual point of view, the "sensitive period" for the effects of hearing impairment on speech and language development is within the first year of life. Early exposure to acoustic or electric stimulation can compensate for the acoustic deficit. A regional-based, specifically designed concept of a universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) was started in Hamburg in the year 2002. For the first time in Germany, a comprehensive protocol including screening measurement, follow-up procedures, tracking, and early intervention was implemented. An interdisciplinary approach from the very beginning could be realized. Sixty-three thousand, four hundred fifty-nine out of 65,466 births were registered during the period August 2002 to July 2006, 93% were primarily screened. 3.3% failed the test and 31.3% were lost to follow-up. A total of 118 children were diagnosed with hearing loss in the follow-up. The median age at time of diagnosis was 3.5 months. Seventy-four children received hearing aids. Out of these 74 children, 6 were subsequently supplied with cochlear implants. The high lost-to-follow-up rate is the biggest challenge for the tracking. Our results will be discussed in part II.

Triagem auditiva neonatal: um estudo na cidade de Curitiba - PR

OBJETIVO: verificar a prática de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal na cidade de Curitiba-PR. MÉTODOS: inicialmente foi realizado um levantamento do número de maternidades e/ou hospitais com maternidades existentes na cidade de Curitiba, mediante a consulta no Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde. Constatou-se a existência de um total de 59 hospitais cadastrados, sendo que três destes são maternidades e 18 são hospitais com maternidade. A partir do levantamento feito, foi estabelecido um contato com o profissional responsável por cada uma das instituições, sendo questionado quanto à existência de um programa de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal e para aqueles que o apresentavam foi entregue um questionário a fim de obter informações a respeito do referido serviço. RESULTADOS: constatou-se que apenas 23,8% das maternidades realizam Triagem Auditiva Neonatal, sendo que destas, 20% é universal para neonatos a termo e 80% universal para neonatos de alto risco. A triagem em todos os serviços é realizada com Emissões Otoacústicas Evocadas por Estímulo Transiente. CONCLUSÃO: mediante o estudo realizado verificou-se que a lei número 14588 - 22/12/2004 não está sendo rigorosamente cumprida. Apesar da demanda aliada à importância da detecção precoce, a Triagem Auditiva Neonatal não é realizada em todas as maternidades existentes e mesmo naquelas nas quais há um fonoaudiólogo e a triagem auditiva é realizada, esta não é universal.

Evaluation of unilateral referrals on neonatal hearing screening

OBJECTIVE

Examination of neonatal hearing screening practices around the world suggests that more attention is placed on infants who fail bilaterally on their hearing screen than infants who refer (fail) in one ear. Some programmes only report bilateral failures as positive hearing screens. This study investigates how limitations of the screening techniques demand continued audiologic evaluations in unilateral referrals.

SETTING

The study sample consisted of all infants born at a single academic paediatric hospital between February 1998 and February 2002.

METHODS

There were 16,007 infants screened using ALGO automated auditory brainstem response. Eighteen of the infants who failed the screen in one ear but passed in the other ear were found to have permanent hearing loss, and had their subsequent clinical course and audiologic management analysed. The final audiologic outcome after four years in both the pass and fail ear were examined.

RESULTS

One group of unilateral referrals (n = 6) had obvious anatomic reasons for the ear failing the screen (canal atresia/stenosis). There were five patients in which the ear that passed the screen was later found on more extensive audiologic evaluation to have significant hearing loss. Review of recent literature was also completed to examine the methods by which unilateral screening referrals are commonly reported and whether or not this affected follow-up diagnostic evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Infants who pass one ear and refer one ear on neonatal hearing screening still need to have thorough and prompt evaluations. In many cases, the ear that passed can be found to have significant hearing loss.

Newborn hearing screening: an outpatient model

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing an outpatient model of a newborn hearing screening program with a particular focus on determining how compliance with the follow-up appointment related to specific socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the mother.

METHOD

Mothers who delivered their babies in public hospitals in Recife, northeast Brazil, were invited to participate in a two-step program. In Step 1 they were interviewed with regard to specific socio-economic and demographic factors, and then scheduled for a hearing screening test for their baby 1 month after discharge. In Step 2, the baby's hearing was screened using transient otoacoustic emissions.

RESULTS

A total of 1035 mothers consented to participate in Step 1, but only 149 returned to participate in Step 2 (14.3%). Analysis of the socio-economic and demographic factors indicated that mothers who did not comply with the scheduled newborn hearing screening (NHS) test generally had less than a high school education and came from primarily lower income families who lived in rural areas outside of Recife.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study highlight some socio-economic and demographic factors of the population of northeast Brazil that contribute to a low compliance rate for an outpatient model of a newborn hearing screening program. Possible solutions to the low compliance rate are considered.

Triagem auditiva: perfil socioeconômico de mãe

OBJETIVO: descrever as características socioeconômicas e demográficas das mães cujos filhos participaram da triagem auditiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: o estudo foi desenvolvido em maternidades públicas da cidade do Recife, por meio de entrevistas realizadas com as parturientes. Após a entrevista, as mães foram convidadas a comparecer às clínicas-escola de Fonoaudiologia da Universidade Católica de Pernambuco e da Faculdade Integrada do Recife, para realizar avaliação auditiva em seus filhos. RESULTADOS: participaram do estudo 1.021 mães, sendo observado que: a idade destas variou de 13 a 50 anos, com maioria (69,5%) entre 20 e 35 anos; 59,4% são casadas ou têm união consensual; 39,1% são solteiras e a maior parte (34,1%) possui primeiro grau incompleto e 3,4%, o 3°grau. Quanto ao fator renda pessoal, a maioria (72,8%) apresenta inferior a um salário mínimo; 90,3% possuem bens, sendo que 83,6% televisão, 56,7% casa própria e 40,7% telefone e, como atividade, identificou-se (63,7%) como sendo dona de casa. CONCLUSÃO: as características socioeconômicas e demográficas das mães participantes da triagem auditiva neonatal foram marcadas por mulheres adultas jovens, que possuem marido ou parceiros, baixa escolaridade e renda familiar, possuem acesso à televisão e não possuem trabalho fora de casa. Tais resultados representam uma importante base diagnóstica para as necessárias ações de gestão, assistência e ensino na área de saúde materno-infantil. Portanto, a partir dos achados pode-se melhor fundamentar programas direcionados para as mães com as características socioeconômicas e demográficas identificadas. Entretanto, para se atingir todas as mães, o estudo também forneceu indícios de grupos minoritários que merecem, certamente, novas pesquisas seqüenciais.