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Retrospective study of the prevalence of bilateral sensorineural deafness in childhood
H S Pabla1, B McCormick, K P Gibbin
1Children Hearing Assessment Centre, General Hospital, Nottingham, U.K.
Insights
This study identified causes of severe childhood sensorineural deafness (hearing loss > 40 dB HL). Improved prenatal and perinatal care shifted deafness causes, but overall proportions remained consistent with prior research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe sensorineural deafness in children presents significant challenges.
- Understanding etiological factors is crucial for prevention and intervention.
- Previous studies established baseline causes, necessitating updated analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the causes of severe sensorineural deafness (hearing level > 40 dB HL) in children.
- To analyze trends in deafness etiology over a defined period.
- To compare current findings with historical data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes from a Children's Hearing Assessment Centre.
- Inclusion criteria: referrals within a 5-year period (1981-1985).
- Data tabulation and literature search for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- A discernible shift in etiological factors from prenatal to perinatal causes was observed.
- This shift is attributed to advancements in antenatal screening, immunization programs, and neonatal resuscitation.
- The overall proportion of severe sensorineural deafness cases remained comparable to previous studies.
Conclusions:
- Improved maternal and neonatal care have influenced the pattern of childhood deafness causes.
- Continued monitoring and research are essential to address remaining challenges in pediatric hearing loss.
- The findings underscore the impact of public health initiatives on congenital and acquired hearing impairments.
Abstract:
This retrospective study was undertaken to estimate the causes of severe sensorineural deafness (greater than 40 dB HL) in children. The children were identified from case notes of all referrals made to the Children's Hearing Assessment Centre during a 5-year period (from 1st January 1981 to 31st December 1985). Results were tabulated and conclusions drawn following a literature search. It was deduced that following better antenatal screening, a more active immunisation program and improvements in resuscitation of small preterm infants, there was a shift of cases from prenatal to perinatal causes. The proportion of cases of severe sensorineural deafness was much the same as in previous studies.