Table 1

Classification of infant outcome

NormalNo hearing problems or other impairments reported
Mild impairmentUnilateral hearing loss and/or other mild sequelae
  ExamplesUnilateral SNHL and mild speech delay
Congenital heart defect repaired, mild delay
Mild language/motor/developmental delay
Moderate impairmentBilateral hearing loss and/or other moderate sequelae
  ExamplesProfound hearing loss
Developmental delay and visual problems
Poor vision, unilateral SNHL, mild developmental delay
Severe impairmentMultiple disabilities
  ExamplesCerebral palsy, severe learning difficulties, bilateral SNHL
Bilateral SNHL, global delay
Quadriplegia, blindness, SNHL

  • SNHL, sensorineural hearing loss.