Hearing Test Pinpoints SIDS Risk
A study published in Early Human Development indicates that risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) may be identified by using a non-invasive hearing test.
The Seattle based research team conducted a retrospective chart review with data from Rhode Islandl the state collects data on hearing tests conducted on newborn babies. A trend was noted among the infants that died from SIDS that was not present among the healthy babies. A case control study was then completed using three matching criteria of the 31 babies identified who died from SIDS.
The difference in hearing was again noted. The test that pinpointed risk is the transient otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) hearing screening test. The routine procedure evaluates signal to noise ratio in the inner ear at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz. The babies who died from SIDS all had lower scores on the test specific to their right ear.
Previous data indicates that babies have stronger results with the right ear compared to the left on TEOAE test. However, in the study, all the infants that died had superior results with their left ears. The researchers suggest that the link to SIDS may be related to hairs in the inner ear, which conduct sound. Those may help monitor the ratio of carbon dioxide in the blood. Damage to this may modify respiration patterns and increase the risk of SIDS.
SIDS is the leading cause of mortality between two and four months. Boys have a higher incidence than girls.
July 31, 2007 Related topics: Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology