[Follow-up II of newborn hearing screening : Evaluation of a follow-up II facility after implementation of newborn hearing screening in Germany].

backgroundWith the implementation of newborn hearing screening, evaluation in terms of quality and goal achievement was required. The present study evaluates a follow-up II facility from 2009 to 2016.

methodsData of 2705 newborns were retrospectively evaluated. The annual number of patients was analyzed, as well as the median age at first presentation, at diagnosis, and at treatment, each according to the reason for presentation and the diagnosis.

resultsFrom 2009 to 2016, the number of presented newborns increased by 91.4%. Newborns with abnormal initial screening or risk factors were presented significantly later than those for initial screening (median 5.3 and 8.0 vs. 4.6 weeks, respectively; p < 0.001). Permanently or transiently hearing-impaired patients were presented and diagnosed significantly later than those with normal hearing (age at initial presentation 6.1 and 7.6 vs. 5.4 weeks, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively; age at diagnosis 11.4 and 23.1 vs. 5.9 weeks, respectively; p < 0.001). Permanent hearing loss was treated at the age of 14.1 weeks. From 2009 to 2014, the age at first presentation and at diagnosis increased and subsequently mostly decreased until 2016.

conclusionThe age at first presentation and at diagnosis depends on the reason for presentation and on the diagnosis. Despite increasing patient numbers, the Joint Federal Committee (Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss, G‑BA) targets were met due to effective and efficient organizational structuring of the follow-up II facility. However, early admission to a follow-up II facility is a prerequisite for the success of newborn hearing screening.