Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children
Amanda J Hall1,2, Rachel Humphriss1,3, David M Baguley4,5
1a Children's Hearing Centre , University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust , Bristol , UK .
Insights
The prevalence of childhood hyperacusis in the UK is 3.7%, affecting boys more than girls. Early life factors like hospital readmission and higher maternal education were associated with increased reports of sound sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Public health research
- Child development
Background:
- Reduced sound tolerance, or hyperacusis, is a condition affecting sound perception.
- Understanding its prevalence in children is crucial for early intervention.
- Risk factors for childhood hyperacusis require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperacusis in 11-year-old children in the UK.
- To explore associations between early life, socioeconomic, and auditory factors and hyperacusis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, population-based study of 7097 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
- Sound tolerance assessed via questionnaires.
- Hearing and middle-ear function evaluated using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry.
- Neonatal and socioeconomic data collected through parental questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 3.7% of children reported hyperacusis.
- Hyperacusis was less common in females.
- Higher maternal education and hospital readmission within the first four weeks of life were associated with increased hyperacusis reports.
- Larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions correlated with hyperacusis, but other auditory measures did not.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of hyperacusis in 11-year-old UK children is 3.7%.
- Hyperacusis is more prevalent in boys.
- Early life factors and maternal education may influence the likelihood of reporting hyperacusis.
Objective:
To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis.
Design:
A prospective UK population-based study.
Study Sample:
A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires.
Results:
3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.
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