Tinnitus reported by children aged 7 and 12 years
Anna Piotrowska1, Danuta Raj-Koziak1, Artur Lorens1
1Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Tinnitus affects 6.0% of children aged 7 and 12. Hearing loss and younger age are identified as significant risk factors for tinnitus in school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Public health
Background:
- Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of tinnitus in children is crucial for early intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of tinnitus in 7- and 12-year-old primary school students in Warsaw.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with tinnitus in this age group.
- To investigate the relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus prevalence.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 15,199 students from Warsaw primary schools.
- Audiometric testing was conducted to assess hearing thresholds at multiple frequencies.
- Tinnitus experience was evaluated using a verbal audiological questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Overall, 6.0% of students reported experiencing tinnitus.
- Tinnitus prevalence showed a significant correlation with hearing loss and age.
- Specific patterns of hearing loss (unilateral high-frequency vs. bilateral moderate) influenced tinnitus reporting.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss and younger age are identified as potential risk factors for tinnitus in school-aged children.
- The study highlights the need for a standardized definition of tinnitus for comparative research.
- Findings underscore the importance of audiological screening in children to detect potential tinnitus-related issues.
