NICU graduates are at a high risk for developing sensorineural hearing defects.

• Family history of hereditary childhood hearing loss.
• Birth weight of less than 1500 grams.
• Intrauterine infection - cytomegalovirus, rubella, syphilis, herpes, toxoplasmosis etc.
• Bacterial meningitis, encephalitis.
• Hyperbilirubinemia (high enough to warrant exchange transfusion)
• Craniofacial anomalies with malformations of the ear and abnormalities of palate & lips.
• Ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, loop diuretics )
• Mechanical ventilation required for 5 days or more.
• Central nervous system insult- birth asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, neonatal seizures etc.

• BERA- This is reliable only after 34 weeks of gestation.
• EOAE (Evoked otoacoustic emission)- It is less desirable as a primary screening test.