Delayed-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a 3-Year-Old Survivor of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Abstract

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and its conventional medical treatment are associated with sensorineural hearing loss, yet current recommendations for regular audiological evaluations of PPHN survivors are lacking. We report a case of delayed-onset, progressive sensorineural hearing loss in a 3-year-old patient with a history of PPHN and a normal auditory brainstem evoked response at 6 weeks of age. The relatively late detection of significant sensorineural hearing loss in this otherwise healthy 3-year-old illustrates the need for audiological evaluation at regular intervals in patients with a history of PPHN.