PP1115 - Characterization of Neonatal Hearing Screening in Ear Clinics in Bogota, Colombia

Abstract:
Neonatal hearing screening is a fundamental test for the early detection of hearing problems in newborns, allowing the identification of hearing disorders that could affect language development and cognitive skills. In Colombia, screening has gained relevance due to the positive impact that early intervention has had on the quality of life of children with hearing disorders. Law 1145 of 2007 establishes the regulatory framework for disability care in Colombia, including the mandatory nature of this screening, as part of the focus on disease prevention and alterations in children's health. This study presents a characterization of neonatal screening in Bogotá, Colombia.

Summary:
The objective of this study is to analyze the results obtained from the period from March 2023 to March 2024, identifying the main characteristics of the screenings carried out. The study aims to obtain a clear vision of the scope of program coverage and the general results of the screening in the population served. This information will help evaluate the impact of this service on children's hearing health in the context of Bogotá, Colombia, particularly within the population group affiliated with the private health system.

With respect to the implementation of this program in Colombia, progress has been observed, especially in urban areas. However, there are still barriers in terms of access to this service in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Coordination between health institutions is an important challenge. Delays in administrative processes and the lack of a clear route of care for children who do not pass the initial screening are factors that hinder timely access to specialized diagnostic and treatment services (Martínez and Quintero, 2020). This puts the early detection of hearing impairments at risk, increasing the likelihood that affected children will not receive intervention until later in childhood when their development is already compromised.

This characterization focuses on the description of the neonatal hearing screening carried out between May 2023 and May 2024 at Ecoaudio Clínica del Oído. Throughout this period, DPOAE and AABR tests were performed, complying with national and international standards in neonatal care.

Results and Conclusions
The health service registered a total of 3,869 users. Of these, it was possible to contact 1,661 users effectively, of which 1,232 scheduled an appointment and were attended, 233 scheduled an appointment but did not attend, and 171 declined to take the test. Only 24.2% of the total registered users were attended.

During the period, a total of 1,229 DPOAE and 527 AABR tests were performed. Of the hearing screenings conducted, 1,140 met the normality parameters standardized for each exam. However, 93 tests presented warning signs indicating a potential hearing disorder.

One of the main findings is the difficulty in contacting a large number of users. This lack of effective communication reflects a critical barrier to access to the service. The reasons for this low response may be related to multiple factors, such as misinformation about the importance of hearing screening, logistical difficulties, or the overload of appointments at health care centers.

In summary, although important progress has been made in the implementation of neonatal hearing screening in Bogotá, critical areas require improvement, particularly in terms of coverage, effective communication with parents, follow-up of suspected cases, and compliance with the deadlines established by current regulations.