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[Hearing loss among children in Oslo]
Insights
Early identification of hearing loss in children is crucial. Prompt testing and intervention significantly improve outcomes for children needing hearing aids.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Public health surveillance
- Epidemiology of childhood hearing impairment
Context:
- Study population: Children born 1975-1984 requiring hearing aids.
- Data collected: Incidence and prevalence of hearing loss in Oslo, Norway.
- Etiology breakdown: Prenatal (47%), perinatal (16%), postnatal (11%), and unknown (26%).
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of hearing loss in children.
- To investigate the causes of hearing loss in this cohort.
- To assess the rate of multiple handicaps in children with hearing loss.
Summary:
- Incidence of hearing loss was 1.08 per 1,000 live births.
- Prevalence in 1988 was 1.57 per 1,000 children.
- Improved early identification rates from 23% (1975/79) to 60% (1980/84).
- 24% of hearing-impaired children had multiple handicaps.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of early hearing loss detection.
- Recommends universal newborn hearing screening before hospital discharge.
- Informs public health strategies for managing childhood hearing impairment.
Abstract:
The study concerns children born the years 1975-84. Only children in need of hearing aids are taken into account. The incidense was 1.08 per 1,000 live born children. The prevalens in January 1988 was 1.57 per 1,000 children, including 18 children moving into the city. The etiology among 75 children was 47% prenatal, 16% perinatal, 11% postnatal defects and further 26% of unknown neurogenic origin. Among the 63 impaired children living in Oslo 1988 15 or 24% had multiple handicaps. Identification of hearing loss before one year of age increased from 23% for children born 1975/79 to near 60% for children born 1980/84. At risk children should be tested before leaving hospital after delivery.