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Risk factors associated with unilateral hearing loss
Joshua C Yelverton1, Laura M Dominguez, Derek A Chapman
1Departments of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. joshua.yelverton@gmail.com
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery
|January 19, 2013
Summary
Thirty percent of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) had Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) risk factors, most commonly craniofacial anomalies. However, UHL can develop even without identified JCIH risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Genetics and birth defects
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) affects a significant number of children.
- Identifying risk factors for UHL is crucial for early intervention.
- The role of Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) risk factors in UHL requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence of JCIH risk factors in children diagnosed with UHL.
- To determine the association between JCIH risk factors and co-occurring birth defects (CBDs) in children with UHL.
- To assess the utility of JCIH risk factors in predicting UHL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of a statewide registry of universal newborn hearing screen data.
- Analysis of data from children born in Virginia between 2002 and 2008.
- Inclusion of 371 children with confirmed UHL, examining JCIH risk factors and CBDs.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30.3% of children with UHL had one or more JCIH risk factors.
- Craniofacial anomalies were the most common JCIH risk factor (43.6%).
- Of those with risk factors, 75.5% had additional co-occurring birth defects, including ear-specific and cardiovascular anomalies.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of children with UHL present with JCIH risk factors, particularly craniofacial anomalies.
- The absence of JCIH risk factors does not rule out the possibility of developing UHL.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology of UHL and its associated risk factors.
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