Conclusions: Based on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) results obtained in this study, the incidence of deafness in children whose mothers had rubella during pregnancy is high (29.5%), and deafness is profound in most cases (80%). Vaccinating women of childbearing age against rubella is essential to reduce the number of cases of childhood sensorineural hearing loss caused by gestational rubella.
Objective: It has been shown in the literature that, in Brazil, gestational rubella is responsible for approximately 21% of cases of deafness in children. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of deafness in children whose mothers had rubella during pregnancy.
Material and methods: Between February and July 2001, we conducted a prospective study assessing hearing status in 17 children (mean age 6 months). The mothers had serologically (ELISA) confirmed gestational rubella. We recorded ABRs and analysed distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).
Results: In 5 children (29.5%), ABRs revealed sensorineural hearing loss, which was moderate to severe in 1 (20%) and profound in 4 (80%). The hearing loss was bilateral in 3 children (60%) and asymmetrical in 4 (80%). Regarding DPOAEs, 7 children (41%) presented no response, and this occurred bilaterally in 4 (57%). All children with abnormal ABRs also presented abnormal DPOAEs. Two children with normal ABRs presented abnormal DPOAEs.