Universal newborn hearing screening: knowledge of pediatricians and neonatologists in the city of Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Introduction: Hearing loss has severe emotional, psychological, and social consequences. The early identification of hearing impairment is crucial. Objective: To evaluate and quantify the knowledge of neonatologists, pediatricians, and residents in pediatrics regarding detection, risk factors, early diagnosis, and referral for rehabilitation of patients with neonatal hearing loss in Jundiai, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional contemporary cohort study including 47 physicians from three hospitals and a questionnaire with 15 items. Results: Most of the respondents (83%) had received information about hearing loss in their medical courses, but had no knowledge of techniques for hearing evaluation, and degrees and types of loss. All physicians agreed that in the first six months of life, it is possible to evaluate hearing function and that it is the physician's responsibility to assess the newborn. Regarding the age that the child can receive auditory rehabilitation, the end of the first year and the second year of life predominates. Conclusion: Most respondents know the risk factors for the detection of neonatal hearing impairment, know how to perform procedures, and recognize the importance of diagnosis of hearing loss and the need to refer suspected cases, but most do not know the techniques used to assess hearing in newborns. (C) 2014 Associacao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.