Relevant factors in the identification of hearing loss in children of upper Egypt

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to examine factors which can affect early identification of hearing loss in children of Upper Egypt. The medical records of 252 children with significant hearing loss were studied. Information about each child's degree and type of hearing loss, cause of hearing loss, source of referral, additional handicaps, age of suspicion of loss, age of identification and time of hearing aid fitting were collected. Children with a greater degree of hearing loss, additional medical problem or additional handicap were identified earlier than those without these factors. In addition, children with positive family history of hearing loss were also detected earlier than those with negative family history. This study showed that hearing impaired children in Upper Egypt were identified and fitted with hearing aids at age older than that recommended for proper rehabilitation