Audiological evaluation of very low birthweight infants

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Abstract
A population of consecutively surviving very low birthweight (VLBW) infants comprising 41 infants (24 female) birthweight P<0.05). Because of the incidence of conductive pathology, difficulties occurred when attempting to compare ABR status at 36–42 weeks postmenstrual age with peripheral hearing status at 8–12 months as assessed by visual reinforcement orientation audiometry (VROA) and impedance audiometry. The most useful ABR test parameters as screening measures of peripheral auditory status were Wave I‐III‐V morphology, wave V threshold levels and wave V absolute latency values when used in combination as a test battery. Auditory brainstem evoked response performed at 36–42 weeks postmenstrual age combined with follow‐up tympanometry, may be regarded as a viable method of monitoring at risk VLBW infants that can be used before behavioural testing in isolation is reliable.