Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in Neonates of Mothers with Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross Sectional Study

This study aims to find out the prevalence of hearing impairment in neonates of mothers with diabetes mellitus. The objective is to assess any correlation between the glycemic control and the development of neonatal hearing impairment. A total of 120 neonates of diabetic mothers were included in the study. Data was collected from hospital medical records, direct interview of parent or care taker and clinical examination of child done whenever possible. 120 Neonates were evaluated by OAE soon after birth. Those who failed the test are evaluated with BERA and results were statistically analysed. In our study prevalence of deafness in neonates of mothers with diabetes mellitus was 4.16%. Prevalence of hearing impairment was higher in neonates of mothers with pre gestational diabetes (9.09%) than gestational diabetes mellitus (3.06%). Mean of HbA1c was higher in mothers of neonates with hearing impairment than those without hearing impairment. Prevalence of deafness in neonates of mothers with diabetes mellitus was 4.16%, which is about sevena times higher than the prevalence of deafness in neonates without any risk factors. Prevalence was higher in neonates of mothers with pre gestational diabetes than neonates of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.