[Research progress on the etiology of delayed-onset hearing loss in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Genetics
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Newborn hearing screening is vital but cannot identify delayed-onset hearing loss (DOHL).
• Understanding DOHL etiology is crucial for developing effective early detection strategies.
• DOHL presents a significant challenge in pediatric audiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the diverse risk factors associated with delayed-onset hearing loss in children.
• To provide a clinical basis for the early detection of DOHL.
• To categorize DOHL risk factors for better clinical understanding.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of reported risk factors for DOHL.
• Categorization of risk factors into five main groups: genetic mutations, inner ear malformations, perinatal factors, auditory neuropathy, and unknown causes.
• Synthesis of information on common genetic mutations (e.g., SLC26A4, GJB2) and other factors (e.g., CMV infection, ECMO).

Main Results:

• Identified common risk factors including genetic mutations (SLC26A4, GJB2, mitochondrial), enlarged vestibular aqueduct, congenital cytomegalovirus infection, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and auditory neuropathy.
• Categorized these factors into genetic, inner ear malformation, perinatal, auditory neuropathy, and idiopathic groups.
• Highlighted the multifactorial nature of DOHL.

Conclusions:

• Early detection of DOHL requires considering a broad range of risk factors beyond newborn screening.
• Genetic factors, inner ear abnormalities, perinatal events, and auditory neuropathy are key areas to investigate for DOHL.
• Further research into the etiology of DOHL is needed to refine clinical diagnostic and management protocols.