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German registry for hearing loss in children: results after 4 years
U Finckh-Krämer1, M Spormann-Lagodzinski, M Gross
1Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Benjamin Franklin Medical School, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 62, Berlin, Fabeckstrasse, Germany. finckh@zedat.fu-berlin.de
Insights
The German Registry for Hearing Loss in Children reveals late diagnosis ages for pediatric hearing loss, highlighting the need for earlier detection and intervention to prevent secondary damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The German Registry for Hearing Loss in Children has collected data since April 1996.
- Nationwide data on 3882 children with permanent hearing loss has been gathered.
- A growing network of 112 partners contributes to data acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the first reliable source of epidemiological data on permanent childhood hearing loss in Germany.
- To analyze age at diagnosis across different hearing loss severities.
- To raise awareness for early diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide data collection on permanent hearing loss in children.
- Analysis of age at diagnosis based on severity of hearing loss.
- Establishment of a minimum standard for patient history via primary examination reports.
Main Results:
- Alarmingly high average ages at diagnosis: mild (6.2 years), moderate (4.4 years), severe (2.5 years), profound (1.9 years).
- The registry provides the first reliable epidemiological data for Germany.
- Increased awareness of early diagnosis and therapy importance.
Conclusions:
- Delayed diagnosis of pediatric hearing loss is a significant issue in Germany.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent avoidable secondary damage.
- The registry contributes to improved patient history standards and public health awareness.
Abstract:
Since April 1996 the German Registry for Hearing Loss in Children has been collecting and recording various data on permanent hearing loss in children. Up to now, the data of 3882 children have been gathered nation-wide. A particularly remarkable aspect of data so far collected is the alarmingly high age at the time of diagnosis (mild hearing loss is on average only diagnosed at 6; 2 years, moderate loss at 4; 4 years, severe at 2; 5 years and profound with 1; 9 years). The German Registry for Hearing Loss in Children provides the first reliable source of epidemiological data on permanent hearing loss in children in Germany. A constantly growing number of currently 112 co-operating partners takes part in the data acquisition. The periodical reports of results to the co-operating partners and the first publications have heightened the awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and therapy. A minimum standard for patient history was established by the primary examination report. Thus, an important contribution has been made to the prevention of avoidable secondary damage.