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Published on: January 23, 2017
Hearing impairment in low birth weight children
Kamal J Daghistani1, Tarek S Jamal, Siraj M Zakzouk
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, King AbdulAziz University Hospital, PO Box 11217, Jeddah 21453, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fax. +966 (02) 6893312.
Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|August 28, 2013
Summary
Low birth weight children exhibit a higher prevalence of hearing impairment compared to normal birth weight children. This finding highlights the need for further research into risk factors for hearing loss in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hearing impairment affects child development and quality of life.
- Birth weight is a critical indicator of neonatal health.
- Understanding hearing impairment prevalence in different birth weight groups is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hearing impairment in Saudi children.
- To compare hearing impairment rates between low birth weight and normal birth weight children.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive survey of 9,540 Saudi children under 15 years old was conducted between September 1994 and May 1998.
- Children were categorized into low birth weight (≤2.5 kg) and normal birth weight (>2.5 kg) groups.
- Systematic audiological examinations were performed for all participants.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of hearing impairment was significantly higher in the low birth weight group (14.87%) compared to the normal birth weight group (9.78%).
- This indicates a notable disparity in hearing health outcomes based on birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment in children.
- Further research is essential to identify specific risk factors contributing to hearing loss in low birth weight infants.
- Early identification and intervention strategies may be beneficial for affected children.
