ABSTRACT
Background. The prevalence of hearing impairment on the Indonesian
population according to 2007 WHO data is estimated at 4.2 %, and one of the
cause is neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Early detection of hearing impairment and
optimal intervention on the first 6 months can prevent speech and language
impairment, lack of academic achievement, disturbance of personal social
relationship and emotional in the children.
Method. A Cohort research was conducted in 36 neonates in Dr Kariadi Hospital
in March 2009-March 2010, 18 in the case group with indirect bilirubin > 12
mg/dl and 18 neonates as control group with indirect bilirubin < 12 mg/dl, both
taken with consecutive sampling method. We recorded clinical, laboratory, and
tymphanometry data, OAE and BERA results at first and after three months.
Statistical analysis were done using Chi-square analysis, Mc Nemar analysis, and
T-test.
Results. Hearing impairment on the first BERA examination was 9 cases (25%)
and 3 cases (8.3%) on the second BERA examination, however it did not differed
significantly (p>0,05). On the first BERA examination, the mean indirect
bilirubin concentration with hearing impairment of 14,18+6,289 mg/dl was not
significantly different (p>0,05) from neonate without hearing impairment of
11,29+2,995 mg/dl. The Relative Risk (RR) was 2 (p>0,05; 95% CI 0,6-6,8), but
statistically it was not significant.
Conclusion. The incidence of hearing impairment on neonatal with
hyperbilirubinemia is 25%. Indirect bilirubin of > 12 mg/dL is not proved to be
the risk factor of hearing impairment in neonatal with hyperbilirubinemia.
Keywords:BERA, hearing impairment, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, OAE
