Related Experiment Videos
Hearing impairment among "at risk' children
S M Zakzouk1, H S al-Muhaimeed
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Hearing impairment affects nearly 40% of at-risk children, with conductive hearing loss linked to otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss often hereditary. Early identification and intervention are crucial for affected infants and children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hearing impairment is a significant global health issue affecting child development.
- Identifying the prevalence and causes of hearing loss in at-risk children is essential for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and aetiology of hearing impairment in Saudi infants and children identified as 'at risk'.
- To analyze the types and severity of hearing loss, differentiating between conductive and sensorineural causes.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted on 6421 infants and children screened for hearing impairment risk factors.
- Prevalence and aetiology of hearing loss were assessed in 1256 children identified as 'at risk'.
- Classified hearing loss into conductive and sensorineural types, noting associated conditions and severity.
Main Results:
- 19.6% (1256/6421) of children were identified as 'at risk' for hearing impairment.
- Hearing impairment was diagnosed in 39.3% (494/1256) of 'at risk' children.
- Conductive hearing loss (66%) was primarily associated with secretory otitis media; sensorineural hearing loss (34%) was often hereditary (66.1%).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of at-risk children in Saudi Arabia experience hearing impairment.
- Otitis media and hereditary factors are major contributors to conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, respectively.
- A nationwide study is recommended to fully understand the scope of deafness in Saudi infants and children.