Characteristics of children with unilateral hearing loss
Elizabeth M Fitzpatrick1,2, Rakan S Al-Essa3, JoAnne Whittingham2
1a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
Insights
Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) affects up to 20% of children with permanent hearing loss. Nearly 40% of these children risk hearing deterioration, emphasizing the need for monitoring and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
Background:
- Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) is a significant condition in children, often identified after newborn hearing screening.
- Understanding the progression and management of UHL is crucial for early intervention and optimal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation of pediatric UHL.
- To investigate the incidence and patterns of hearing deterioration in children with UHL.
- To explore the use of amplification devices in managing UHL.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study utilizing prospective data collection from diagnosis.
- Retrospective analysis of serial audiograms and amplification records from clinical charts.
- Inclusion of all children diagnosed with UHL in a Canadian region over 13 years (2003-2015).
Main Results:
- 20.1% (108/537) of children with permanent hearing loss presented with UHL.
- Median age at diagnosis was 13.9 months; 47.2% had congenital loss, while others had late-onset or acquired loss.
- 42.4% experienced hearing deterioration, with 17.4% developing bilateral loss; 73.1% received amplification recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral hearing loss is an initial diagnosis for a substantial proportion of children with permanent hearing impairment.
- A significant percentage of children with UHL face the risk of progressive hearing loss, necessitating vigilant audiological monitoring.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL), examine deterioration in hearing, and explore amplification decisions.
Design:
Population-based data were collected prospectively from time of diagnosis. Serial audiograms and amplification details were retrospectively extracted from clinical charts to document the trajectory and management of hearing loss.
Sample:
The study included all children identified with UHL in one region of Canada over a 13-year period (2003-2015) after implementation of universal newborn hearing screening.
Results:
Of 537 children with permanent hearing loss, 20.1% (108) presented with UHL at diagnosis. They were identified at a median age of 13.9 months (IQR: 2.8, 49.0). Children with congenital loss were identified at 2.8 months (IQR: 2.0, 3.6) and made up 47.2% (n = 51), reflecting that a substantial portion had late-onset, acquired or late-identified loss. A total of 42.4% (n = 39) showed deterioration in hearing, including 16 (17.4%) who developed bilateral loss. By study end, 73.1% (79/108) of children had received amplification recommendations.
Conclusions:
Up to 20% of children with permanent HL are first diagnosed with UHL. About 40% are at risk for deterioration in hearing either in the impaired ear and/or in the normal hearing ear.
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