RISK-FACTORS OF SENSORINEURAL HEARING-LOSS IN PRETERM INFANTS

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.