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Aetiology of bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment in children: a 10 year study
1University Department of Otolaryngology and Audiological Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Insights
Genetic factors are a significant cause of childhood hearing impairment. This study highlights the need for genetic counseling to address the high incidence of hereditary deafness in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Audiology
Background:
- Childhood hearing impairment presents a significant public health challenge.
- Identifying etiological factors is crucial for effective management and prevention.
- Genetic and environmental influences play a role in congenital hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological factors contributing to hearing impairment in a cohort of children.
- To determine the prevalence of genetic causes of hearing loss in pediatric populations.
- To inform strategies for genetic counseling and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 339 children referred for audiological assessment.
- Comprehensive medical and family history collection.
- Clinical examination and audiological evaluation of patients, parents, and siblings.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors accounted for 23.3% of hearing impairment cases.
- Unknown causes represented the largest group (33.9%).
- Other identified causes included perinatal factors (12.8%), congenital infections (8.2%), and bacterial meningitis (6.5%).
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors are a major contributor to childhood hearing impairment.
- Enhanced genetic counseling services are recommended.
- Further research into unknown etiological factors is warranted.
Abstract:
The study was carried out on children born over a 10 year period from 1981 to 1990 in a defined area known as Greater Manchester and referred to the Centre for Audiology or the Manchester Royal Infirmary for specialist audiological assessment. The children were investigated for possible congenital or intrauterine infection. Perinatal assessment was carried out in conjunction with paediatricians for adverse aetiological factors. Full medical histories were obtained with detailed family history relevant to hearing impairment and any associated condition or syndrome. Parents and siblings were examined and hearing assessed. A total of 339 cases was studied. Children with positive family history of deafness in parents or siblings, or both, constituted 23.3% of the cases (genetic group). Other aetiological groups showed the following distribution: cause unknown 33.9%; perinatal group 12.8%; congenital infections 8.2%; bacterial meningitis 6.5%; chromosomal anomalies 5.3%; syndromal group 5.3%; and miscellaneous group 4.7%. The high incidence of genetic causes indicates that steps should be taken to facilitate genetic counselling and conceivably to reduce the numbers affected.