Gestational diabetes associated with higher refer rate in hearing screening of newborns, suggests study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with several adverse health conditions in newborns such as preterm birth, hyperbilirubinemia, macrosomia, respiratory distress.

However, the effect of GDM on the hearing sensitivity of newborns is still unclear. The study aimed to explore the effect of GDM on newborn hearing. The study aimed to explore the effect of GDM on newborn hearing. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and CHINAL databases. Keywords like “gestational diabetes,” “diabetic pregnancies,” “hearing loss,” “hearing impairment,” and “hearing disorder” were used to form a search string. The Rayyan software was used for screening procedure.

The full-length articles were shortlisted, extracted, and appraised. Results: The 7 articles were included in the review. Findings suggest that hearing loss is more prevalent in newborns with GDM pregnancies than in non-GDM pregnancies. In addition, OAE findings were “referred during the first hearing screening of newborns with GDM pregnancies.” The refer rate of the first bilateral hearing screening was higher for newborns with GDM pregnancies. Furthermore, children of diabetic pregnancies were found to be at risk of bilateral hearing loss, particularly sensorineural in nature.

The present systematic review suggests an association between GDM and a higher refer rate in hearing screening. A multidisciplinary collaboration between gynecologists, pediatricians, and audiologists can smoothen the early detection of hearing loss in newborns with GDM pregnancies, leading to early intervention and better clinical outcomes to improve the quality of life of affected newborns.

Reference:

Aggarwal K, Ravi R. Effect of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Newborn Hearing: A Systematic Review. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/00034894241287014