Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Case Study

Abstract

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a condition that occurs when a newborn infant aspirates or breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. The pathophysiology of MAS is multi-factorial and includes acute airway obstruction, surfactant dysfunction or inactivation, chemical pneumonitis with release of vasoconstrictive and inflammatory mediators, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN). All of these conditions might lead to hearing loss as lack of oxygen to the developing brain cells leads to developmental abnormalities and hearing loss and subsequently delayed speech and language development. This disorder often leads to complications like respiratory failure, pulmonary air leaks, and PPHN. There are a number of treatment options of which inhaled nitric oxide (INO) has led to the decreased mortality and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use. We present a case aged 3yrs with a complaint of speech and hearing problem. The child has a history of meconium aspiration. The child was kept in NICU for 24hours. A full audiological and speech evaluation was conducted. The child is continuing speech therapy. Through this case study we have attempted to document a case of meconium ingestion and loss of hearing leading to delayed speech and language development and to reassure the fact that proper audiological assessment and its rehabilitation along with speech language therapy can facilitate the patients to fight against the obstacle brought from the meconium ingestion and leading a more or less normal life.