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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
The Relation of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Pediatric Patients With Recurrent Otitis Media: A Nested
Hyo Geun Choi1, Chanyang Min2,3, Chang Ho Lee4
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Insights
Recurrent otitis media in children significantly increases the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). This pediatric study highlights a critical link between ear infections and hearing health.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous research suggested a link between chronic otitis media and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
- The specific risk in pediatric populations with recurrent otitis media remained less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between recurrent otitis media in children and the subsequent risk of developing SSNHL.
- To expand on prior findings by focusing on a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study design was employed.
- Utilized data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2002-2004).
- Included 24,226 pediatric patients (under 15 years) with at least 5 instances of otitis media, matched 1:1 with controls, and followed until 2013.
Main Results:
- Patients with recurrent otitis media had a significantly higher incidence of SSNHL (0.14% vs. 0.06%, p=0.006).
- The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for SSNHL in the otitis media group was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.13-4.02).
- Subgroup analysis revealed a markedly higher HR for SSNHL in 10- to 14-year-olds (9.07-fold) and females (3.74-fold).
Conclusions:
- Recurrent otitis media in children is a significant risk factor for the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- The findings underscore the importance of monitoring hearing health in children with recurrent ear infections.
Objective:
The risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) was suggested to be increased in chronic otitis media patients. This study expanded previous findings by using pediatric patients with recurrent otitis media.
Study Design:
A nested case-control study.
Setting:
Participants in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort that were less than 15 years old from 2002 to 2004 were included.
Patients:
Overall, 24,226 patients with ≥ 5 instances of otitis media were 1:1 matched with a group controlled for age, sex, income, and region of residence.
Main Outcome Measure:
The occurrence of SSNHL was followed until 2013. The hazard ratio (HR) for SSNHL was analyzed in the otitis media patients using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model. Matching variables were stratified. The histories of sinusitis and atopic dermatitis were adjusted. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age and sex.
Results:
Overall, 0.14% (33/24,226) of the otitis media group and 0.06% (14/24,226) of the control group had SSNHL (p = 0.006). The otitis media group had a higher adjusted HR for SSNHL than the control group (adjusted HR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.13-4.02). According to age, the 10- to 14-year-old group showed a 9.07-fold higher HR for SSNHL than the control group (95% CI = 1.14-72.54). According to sex, the female group showed a 3.74-fold higher HR for SSNHL than the control group (95% CI = 1.24-11.29).
Conclusion:
Recurrent otitis media in children was related to the onset of SSNHL.
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