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Effect of Malnutrition on Hearing Loss in Children

Michaela F Close1, Charmee H Mehta, Josh van Swol

  • 1MUSC Otolaryngology, Charleston, South Carolina.

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
|December 11, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Children with protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) have a higher prevalence and severity of hearing loss (HL). Early audiological evaluation and intervention are crucial for malnourished children to improve outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Audiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a significant health concern in children.
  • Hearing loss (HL) can have profound impacts on a child's development.
  • The relationship between PCM and HL requires further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) and hearing loss (HL) in pediatric populations.
  • To determine the prevalence, type, severity, and progression of hearing loss in children with PCM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of children's audiological and genetic database.
  • Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of PCM, marasmus, or kwashiorkor.
  • Outcome measures: prevalence, type, severity (PTA), and progression of HL.

Main Results:

  • Children with PCM showed a higher prevalence of HL (57.8%) compared to those without PCM (45.5%).
  • Severely malnourished children had increased odds of moderate-profound, high-frequency, and sensorineural/mixed HL.
  • Malnourished children exhibited worse initial and final hearing thresholds and less improvement in HL.

Conclusions:

  • Children with PCM are at higher risk for audiological complications, including significant hearing loss.
  • Early audiological evaluation and timely intervention are recommended for malnourished children.
  • Clinical practice should prioritize nutritional support and audiological screening in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

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