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Childhood hearing is associated with growth rates in infancy and adolescence

David Welch1, Patrick J D Dawes

  • 1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. david.welch@dmhdru.otago.ac.nz

Pediatric Research
|August 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Childhood hearing levels correlate with growth rates, particularly during late adolescence. This association suggests hearing may predict Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) mediated development.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Audiology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Shorter stature is linked to sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) influences cochlear development and neurodevelopment.
  • Previous research indicates peak IGF-1 levels during late puberty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between childhood hearing threshold and growth rate in a normally hearing population.
  • To determine if this association is strongest during late puberty, coinciding with peak IGF-1 levels.

Main Methods:

  • Statistical analysis of the relationship between childhood hearing threshold and height growth rate.
  • Examination across different life stages up to age 32.
  • Focus on periods of significant growth and hormonal changes.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between hearing and height growth in the general population.
  • The strongest correlations were observed in late puberty, as hypothesized.
  • Significant associations were also noted in infancy and early childhood.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood hearing threshold is associated with growth rate in normally hearing individuals.
  • The findings support the hypothesis that hearing may predict Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) mediated developmental characteristics.
  • Hearing may serve as an indicator for broader developmental trajectories.

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