OBJECTIVETo study the significance of the second hearing screening in neonates who failed the first screening during their hospital stay.

METHODSScreening TEOAE tests were employed in 3849 neonates. The first screen was 3 days after birth. Those who failed were rescreened before discharge (5 - 7 days after birth). Neonates who failed the second screening would have a third screening in 30 - 42 days. Four types of rates were compared: pass rates of three times, rates of single ear fail and double ear fail, pass rates of left ear and right ear, pass rates of Caesarean birth and that of natural labor.

RESULTSThe difference between rates of first time and second time is statistically significant (χ(2) = 38.67, P < 0.01). There is no statistically difference between the total pass rate in ward and that of third time (χ(2) = 2.73, P > 0.05). The pass rate of single ear fail is higher than that of double ears (χ(2) = 34.34, P < 0.01, the difference has statistical significance). The pass rate of left ear is higher than that of right ear (χ(2) = 0.62, P > 0.05, the difference has not statistical significance). The first time screen result showed pass rates of natural labor is higher than that of Caesarean birth (χ(2) = 35.37, P < 0.05), but the differences of pass rates of the second and third time between two delivery method was no statistical significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTwo times of screening in ward could decrease false negative and refer rate, thus relieve parent's mental burden.