Factors of hearing impairment among Saudi children: a comparative epidemiological study

ABSTRACT

To determine and compare the various risk factors for hearing impairment in the four major regions of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Nine thousand five hundred forty children below the age of 15 were surveyed from the four major provinces of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was filled and an ENT examination with audiological assessement were carried out for each child. The various risk factors were studied. Nine thousand, five hundred and forty children were screened. Out of these 13% were hearing impaired and 8% were at risk of hearing impairment. Consanguinous marriages, failure to attend antenatal clinics, abnormal pregnancy and labour, prematurity, lack of immunization, xenthematous diseases and jaundice were the risk factors for hearing impairment, The Western and Southern regions of Saudi Arabia were found to have the highest rate of some of these risk factors. Conclusions: Consanguinous marriages should be discouraged. Attendance of antenatal clinics and immunization should be encouraged through proper health education and counseling programmes