Effects of ethnicity on hearing screening failure rates in a newborn, well baby clinic

Abstract

Researchers have reported a higher prevalence of hearing loss among Hispanic school-aged children than among children of other ethnicities. The purpose of this study is to measure if a higher risk of hearing loss is already present at birth among Hispanic well babies. Specifically, in this retrospective study, investigators will review hearing screening and demographic records of over 22,000 well babies born at a Wichita hospital from 2009-2012, and: 1) statistically compare the screening failure rates of Hispanic well babies versus well babies of other ethnicities; and 2) analyze if screening failure rates are associated with risk factors at birth.