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Noise-induced hearing loss in children
P E Brookhouser1, D W Worthington, W J Kelly
1Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68131.
Insights
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects children and adolescents, often from leisure activities. Early detection and educational programs are crucial for preventing this irreversible hearing damage.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Occupational noise is a primary cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
- NIHL in children and adolescents is understudied, despite potential risks from leisure activities.
- Hazardous noise exposure can occur outside of occupational settings.
Observation:
- This study evaluated 114 children and adolescents (under 19) with probable NIHL.
- The mean age at referral was 12.7 years, with 26% diagnosed by age 10.
- Hearing loss was unilateral in 42 children and sensorineural in the contralateral ear for 72.
Findings:
- Children and adolescents are susceptible to NIHL from various noise exposures.
- Significant hearing impairment can be diagnosed in early childhood.
- NIHL in pediatric populations requires greater public health attention.
Implications:
- NIHL is a preventable public health issue in children and adolescents.
- Early identification and intervention are critical for managing pediatric hearing loss.
- Age-appropriate educational programs are needed to inform students and parents about noise hazards.
Abstract:
Occupational noise exposure remains the most commonly identified cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), but potentially hazardous noise can be encountered during leisure-time activities. NIHL in the pediatric population has received scant attention. This study focuses on 114 children and adolescents (ages 19 and under: 90.3% males) who were diagnosed as having probable NIHL on the basis of history and audiometric configuration. In 42 children the loss was unilateral, while the remaining 72 had sensorineural losses of varying configurations in the contralateral ear. The mean age of referral for evaluation was 12.7 years (range 1.2 to 19.8, SD 4.21), although 26% of these losses were diagnosed in children aged 10 years and younger. Such irreversible, but potentially preventable losses, should be given high priority on the public health agenda. Comprehensive, age-appropriate educational programs must be developed for elementary and secondary students and their parents to acquaint them with potentially hazardous noise sources in their environment.