Hearing Screening and Risk Factors of Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is predicted that hearing loss will increase to 2.5 billion people by 2050. Risk factors associated with hearing loss can occur in the uterus, at birth, or acquired. AIM: This study aims to determine the most common risk factors and their relationship with the severity of hearing loss. METHODS: Seven databases (NELITI, PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Emerald Insight and Wiley Online Library) were searched in January and February 2022. The keyword terms used were related to hearing assessment, hearing loss, and risk factor(s). RESULTS: The initial search resulted in 7608 articles. A total of 1234 underwent title and abstract screening. Of these, 1223 were excluded due to various criteria. A total of 11 articles were assessed for eligibility, all of which met the inclusion criteria. In the 11 analyzed articles, the risk factors were categorized as prenatal and postnatal. The most common prenatal risk factors included genetic factor(s), family history, consanguineous marriage, and maternal infection during pregnancy. Meanwhile, the most common postnatal risk factors included prolonged mechanical ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia, asphyxia, premature birth, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and consumption of ototoxic drugs. In one study, individuals with one risk factor had a hearing threshold of 76.47 ± 28.27 decibels (dB) nHL, whereas individuals with four risk factors had a hearing threshold of 85 ± 40.41 dB nHL. CONCLUSION: The most common risk factors for hearing loss are genetic factor(s), prolonged use of mechanical ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia, birth defects, and consumption of ototoxic drugs. In addition, the more risk factors an individual has, the likelihood of hearing loss is greater and the degree of hearing loss is more severe.