The relationship between neonatal pathologic jaundice and hearing impairment

Objective: To explore the relationship between neonatal pathologic jaundice and hearing impairment. Methods: Eighty-two neonates with pathologic jaundice were divided into mild-moderate jaundice group 50 cases( the bilirubin was 221 to 340 mol / L) and heavy jaundice group 32 cases( the bilirubin was higher than or equal to 340 mol / L) according to the level of bilirubin. Fourty neonates with physiologic jaundice were set as control group. Auditory evoked potentials( BAEP) of all neonates were measured within 1 week after birth. Results: The BAEP abnormality in single ear for 10 cases and two ears for 2 cases in mild-moderate jaundice group were found,the abnormal rate of BAEP was 24. 0%. The BAEP abnormality in single ear for 8 cases and two ears for 4 cases in heavy jaundice group were found,the abnormal rate of BAEP was 37. 5%. The BAEP abnormality in single ear for 2 cases in control group were found,the abnormal rate of BAEP was 5. 0%. The differences of BAEP abnormal rate in three groups had statistical significance( P 0. 01). Conclusions: The hearing of neonate with pathologic jaundice is easy to be harmed. The incidence and degree of hearing impairment are higher and heavy with the serum total bilirubin level increasing and the duration lengthening.