Audiometric Profiles Across a Clinical Population of Children With Hyperacusis
Kelly N Jahn1,2, Braden M Wiegand-Shahani1,2, Edward Lobarinas1,2
1Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson.
Insights
This study found that 18% of children experience hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), often alongside normal hearing and various health concerns. Early, multidisciplinary assessment is crucial for effective pediatric hyperacusis management.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Health
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Hyperacusis is well-documented in adults, but understudied in children.
- Understanding pediatric hyperacusis is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of hyperacusis in children.
- To examine relationships between hyperacusis, hearing status, and nonauditory factors in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records from 329 children (ages 2-17).
- Assessed prevalence of hyperacusis and correlations with hearing status, behavioral concerns, and communication issues.
Main Results:
- 18% of children reported hyperacusis, with no significant sex or age differences.
- Hyperacusis was more common with normal or unilateral hearing loss than bilateral.
- High prevalence of audiovestibular issues, mental health concerns, speech delays, and behavioral problems in children with hyperacusis.
Conclusions:
- Identified common hearing profiles and critical comorbidities in pediatric hyperacusis.
- Highlights the urgent need for standardized, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment for children with hyperacusis.
Purpose:
Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) is well documented among adults, but little is known about hyperacusis in children. Here, we assess relationships among the presence of hyperacusis, audiometric profiles, and nonauditory factors in a pediatric clinical population.
Method:
A retrospective review of clinical records from 329 children, ages 2-17 years, was performed to assess the prevalence of hyperacusis and correlations among hearing status, behavioral or communication concerns, and the presence of hyperacusis.
Results:
In 329 study participants, 18% reported hyperacusis (58% male and 42% female). No significant sex or age differences were found. Hyperacusis was more likely to occur alongside normal hearing or with unilateral hearing loss relative to bilateral hearing loss. Among children with hyperacusis, there was a high prevalence of audiovestibular problems, mental health concerns, speech and language delays, difficulty in school, and behavioral problems. Tinnitus was also found to be comorbid with hyperacusis, but the comorbidity was less than that reported in adults.
Conclusions:
This study identified common hearing profiles and critical comorbidities in a large clinical cohort of children with hyperacusis. These results demonstrate the urgent need for standardized multidisciplinary assessment and treatment protocols for pediatric hyperacusis.
