ABR measures electrical activity in the brain stem in response to sound

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 84 views

Early Detection of Hearing Loss in Low Birth Weight Infants (BBLR) in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan: The Role of DPOAES and ABR

Introduction

Hearing loss is a significant concern for infants, particularly those born with low birth weight (BBLR). According to various studies, the prevalence of hearing loss in BBLR can range from 4-9.7%. Early detection of hearing loss in BBLR is crucial to maximize the development of children's speech and language. In this context, two examination methods, Itoacoustic Emission (DPOAES) Distortion Product and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), have been widely used to detect hearing loss in infants. DPOAES measures the acoustic response from the cochlea (the inside of the ear) as a sign of hearing function, while ABR measures electrical activity in the brain stem in response to sound.

The Importance of Early Detection of Hearing Loss in BBLR

Early detection of hearing loss in BBLR is essential to prevent long-term consequences, such as delayed speech and language development, social isolation, and decreased academic performance. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns undergo hearing screening before discharge from the hospital. However, in many developing countries, including Indonesia, hearing screening is not always a standard practice. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the prevalence of hearing loss in BBLR in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan and the role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection.

Research Purposes

This study aims to determine the description of the results of the inspection of DPOAES and ABR in BBLR in the perinatology room of H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. Specifically, the study aims to:

Describe the prevalence of hearing loss in BBLR in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan
Determine the relationship between DPOAES and ABR results and various variables, including sex, birth weight, and gestational age
Identify the role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection of hearing loss in BBLR

Research Methods

This study uses a descriptive case study method with primary data collection through non-intervention examinations. A total of 32 BBLRs that meet the inclusion criteria are included in this study. Data is collected through examination of DPOAES and ABR in both ears. The study uses a cross-sectional design, where data is collected at a single point in time.

Research Results

Of the 32 BBLR (64 ears), as many as 8 babies (25%) show the results of abnormal DPOAES and ABR. Further analysis shows a significant relationship between sex and ABR results. However, no significant relationship was found between other variables and the results of DPOAES and ABR.

Conclusion

This study shows that DPOAES and ABR can be used as an early detection of hearing loss in BBLR. Although not all variables show a significant relationship with the results of the examination, this is likely caused by a relatively small sample size. The study highlights the importance of hearing screening in BBLR and the role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection.

Further Analysis

The results of this study show the importance of hearing screening in BBLR. It is essential to understand that the examination of DPOAES and ABR is only part of the early detection process of hearing loss. If the examination results show abnormalities, then further examination is necessary to determine the causes and types of hearing loss. In addition, this study also highlighted the important role of sex in influencing the results of ABR. This indicates that genetic factors may play a role in the development of hearing in BBLR.

Recommendation

This research provides several recommendations for further research:

Increase the size of the research sample to get more accurate and significant results
Add other variables such as a history of pregnancy, birth weight, and gestational age to analyze the relationship with the results of the examination of DPOAES and ABR
Conduct further research on genetic factors that affect the results of ABR examination on BBLR

Conclusion

This research is an important first step in understanding the pattern of hearing loss in BBLR in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. This finding can be the basis for improving the hearing screening program in BBLR and helping in providing timely interventions to maximize child development.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size
Limited variables analyzed
Cross-sectional design

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and analyze more variables to determine the relationship between DPOAES and ABR results and various factors. Additionally, further research on genetic factors that affect the results of ABR examination on BBLR is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms of hearing loss in BBLR.

Implications for Practice

This study has several implications for practice, including:

The importance of hearing screening in BBLR
The role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection of hearing loss in BBLR
The need for further examination to determine the causes and types of hearing loss

Implications for Policy

This study has several implications for policy, including:

The need for policy changes to ensure that hearing screening is a standard practice in hospitals
The importance of providing timely interventions to maximize child development
The need for further research on genetic factors that affect the results of ABR examination on BBLR.
Q&A: Early Detection of Hearing Loss in Low Birth Weight Infants (BBLR) in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan: The Role of DPOAES and ABR

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine the description of the results of the inspection of DPOAES and ABR in BBLR in the perinatology room of H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Q: What are DPOAES and ABR?

A: DPOAES measures the acoustic response from the cochlea (the inside of the ear) as a sign of hearing function, while ABR measures electrical activity in the brain stem in response to sound.

Q: Why is early detection of hearing loss in BBLR important?

A: Early detection of hearing loss in BBLR is crucial to maximize the development of children's speech and language. If left undetected, hearing loss can lead to long-term consequences, such as delayed speech and language development, social isolation, and decreased academic performance.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: Of the 32 BBLR (64 ears), as many as 8 babies (25%) show the results of abnormal DPOAES and ABR. Further analysis shows a significant relationship between sex and ABR results. However, no significant relationship was found between other variables and the results of DPOAES and ABR.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: This study highlights the importance of hearing screening in BBLR and the role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection. It also emphasizes the need for further examination to determine the causes and types of hearing loss.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including small sample size, limited variables analyzed, and cross-sectional design.

Q: What are the recommendations for further research?

A: This research provides several recommendations for further research, including increasing the sample size, adding other variables such as a history of pregnancy, birth weight, and gestational age, and conducting further research on genetic factors that affect the results of ABR examination on BBLR.

Q: What are the implications for practice?

A: This study has several implications for practice, including the importance of hearing screening in BBLR, the role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection of hearing loss in BBLR, and the need for further examination to determine the causes and types of hearing loss.

Q: What are the implications for policy?

A: This study has several implications for policy, including the need for policy changes to ensure that hearing screening is a standard practice in hospitals, the importance of providing timely interventions to maximize child development, and the need for further research on genetic factors that affect the results of ABR examination on BBLR.

Additional Resources

For more information on early detection of hearing loss in BBLR, please refer to the following resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Hearing Screening for Newborns.
World Health Organization. (2019). Hearing Loss in Children.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2020). Hearing Loss in Children.

Conclusion

This Q&A article provides a summary of the study on early detection of hearing loss in BBLR in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. It highlights the importance of hearing screening in BBLR and the role of DPOAES and ABR in early detection. The study also emphasizes the need for further examination to determine the causes and types of hearing loss.