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Longitudinal study of hearing in children: baseline data concerning auditory thresholds, noise exposure, and
Insights
This study on children
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric audiology
- Hearing science
Background:
- Hearing thresholds in children and adolescents are influenced by various factors.
- Understanding age and sex-related differences in auditory function is crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
- Noise exposure and maturation are potential contributors to hearing development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serial auditory thresholds in children and youths aged 4-18 years.
- To examine the influence of age, sex, noise exposure, and maturation on hearing thresholds.
- To identify potential associations between auditory thresholds and health-related factors.
Main Methods:
- Serial audiometric testing at six-month intervals.
- Data collection from 224 children and youths aged 4-18 years.
- Assessment of noise exposure scores and general health indicators.
Main Results:
- Girls exhibited lower auditory thresholds than boys, particularly in the 12-17 age group.
- Older children (12-17 years) demonstrated lower thresholds than younger children (6-11 years).
- Noise exposure scores were higher in boys but not significantly correlated with auditory thresholds; however, noise events correlated with thresholds in teenage boys.
- Associations were found between auditory thresholds and meatal abnormalities.
- Rapid maturation, especially in girls, suggested a link to lower auditory thresholds, particularly at lower frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Age and sex are significant factors influencing auditory thresholds in children and adolescents.
- While noise exposure is common, its direct correlation with thresholds needs further investigation, especially concerning specific noise events in teenagers.
- Maturation, particularly in girls, may play a role in hearing development, warranting further research into its effects on auditory thresholds.
Abstract:
Serial auditory thresholds are being recorded at six-month intervals from 224 children and youths aged 4--18 years. The data from the first year show girls have lower threshold levels than boys, especially from 12--17 years, and, in both sexes, those aged 12--17 years have lower thresholds than those aged 6--11 years. Median total noise exposure scores tend to be higher in boys than girls, especially after 10 years of age, but these scores are not significantly correlated with auditory thresholds levels. The incidence of exposure to events associated with noise increases markedly in teenage boys and is related to auditory threshold levels. There are no significant associations between auditory thresholds levels and responses to general health questions or attained stature, but there are associations with meatal abnormalities. There is suggestive evidence, particularly in girls, that rapid maturation is associated with lower threshold levels, especially at lower frequencies.