Relevant demographic factors and hearing impairment in Saudi children: epidemiological study
Bafaqeeh, S.A.; Zakzouk, S.M.; al Muhaimeid, H.; Essa, A.
Journal of Laryngology and Otology 108(4): 294-298
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-2151 PMID: 8182312 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215100126581Document Number: 284865
A representative sample of 6421 Saudi children were clinically examined and screened for hearing loss. Hearing impairment was detected in 494 children (7.7 per cent). In 326 of the children it was due to chronic secretory and suppurative otitis media (5.07 per cent) and in 168 of them sensorineural hearing loss (2.6 per cent). The study revealed that parental education, low income, and employment of the mother showed a slightly higher at risk rate of hearing impairment. Children from related parents were also at a higher risk of hearing impairment and they demonstrated a marked adverse effect on the incidence of hereditary sensorineural hearing impairment. Comparison with other surveys of school children in developed and developing countries has been carried out.