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The Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Pediatric and Adolescent
Kathleen M Schieffer1, James R Connor2, James A Pawelczyk3
1Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey.
Insights
Children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) have a significantly higher risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Early screening and treatment of IDA in pediatric patients may improve overall health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Hematology
- Public health
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common condition in children.
- A link between IDA and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been observed in adults.
- The relationship between IDA and hearing loss in pediatric populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and hearing loss in children and adolescents.
- To determine if IDA increases the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside database (2011-2016).
- Included children and adolescents aged 4-21 years diagnosed with hearing loss or IDA.
- IDA was identified by low hemoglobin and ferritin levels; hearing loss by ICD-9/10 codes.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed data from 20,113 patients.
- Prevalence of hearing loss was 3.0% in the IDA cohort versus 1.7% in the non-IDA cohort.
- Children with IDA showed increased odds of developing SNHL (aOR: 3.67, 95% CI [1.60-7.30]).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with IDA have a greater likelihood of experiencing SNHL.
- While IDA correction's impact on hearing outcomes needs more research, addressing IDA benefits children's health.
- Screening for and treating IDA in children is recommended for improved health status.
Purpose:
A correlation between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was described in adults. In this study, we examined if there is a relationship between IDA and hearing loss in the pediatric population.
Method:
This was a retrospective cohort study of data collected from the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside database from 2011 to 2016. Children and adolescents 4-21 years old seen at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, were examined for hearing loss and IDA status. Hearing loss was determined by International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes, and IDA was determined by both low hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels for age and sex.
Results:
We identified 20,113 patients. Prevalence of hearing loss and IDA was 1.7% and 2.3%, respectively. The prevalence of all hearing loss was 3.0% in the IDA cohort and 1.7% in those without IDA. Children and adolescents with IDA are at increased odds of developing SNHL (adjusted odds ratio: 3.67, 95% CI [1.60-7.30]).
Conclusions:
Children with IDA demonstrate increased likelihood of SNHL. Although correction of IDA in those with hearing loss has yet to be linked to improvements in hearing outcomes, screening for and correcting IDA among pediatric patients will positively affect overall health status.
Abstract:
Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5087071.
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