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Updated: May 27, 2026

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Tinnitus and hearing in 7-year-old children.
Jolanta Juul1, Marie-Louise Barrenäs, Kajsa-Mia Holgers
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Section for Audiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. jolanta.juul@vgregion.se
Spontaneous tinnitus (ST) and noise-induced tinnitus (NIT) are common in children, with ST increasing in those with hearing impairment (HI) or temporary threshold shifts (TTS). Tinnitus may also correlate with stress in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Public health
Background:
- Tinnitus, a symptom often linked to hearing impairment (HI) or temporary threshold shifts (TTS), can occur with or without noise exposure, presenting as noise-induced tinnitus (NIT) or spontaneous tinnitus (ST).
- Understanding tinnitus prevalence and associated factors in children is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of TTS, ST, and NIT in a cohort of 7-year-old children.
- To examine the relationship between tinnitus and hearing status (HI and TTS) in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional interview study was conducted.
- 756 seven-year-old children in Gothenburg underwent standard audiometric screening.
- Data on tinnitus experiences (NIT and ST) and hearing status (HI and TTS) were collected.
Main Results:
- 41% of children reported experiencing NIT or ST occasionally.
- 17% reported recurrent TTS, and 7% failed audiometry screening.
- ST probability was higher in children with HI or TTS (27% without, 63% with both conditions).
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous tinnitus is more prevalent in children with temporary threshold shifts or hearing impairment, especially when both are present.
- The study suggests a potential correlation between tinnitus in young children and stress, similar to adolescents and adults.
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