Among 547 preterm infants of less than or equal to 34 weeks gestation
born between 1987 and 1991, 8 children (1.46%) developed severe progre
ssive and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Perinatal risk factors
of infants with hearing loss were compared with those of two control
groups matched for gestation and birth weight and for perinatal compli
cations. Our observations demonstrated an association of hearing loss
with a higher incidence of perinatal complications. Ototoxicity appear
ed closely related to a prolonged administration and higher total dose
of ototoxic drugs, particularly aminoglycosides and furosemide. Final
ly, we strongly recommend to prospectively and regularly perform audio
logic assessment in sick preterm children as hearing loss is of delaye
d onset and in most cases bilateral and severe.