Maternal knowledge and awareness of neonatal hearing loss: a local survey from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Hearing is important for language development in children, especially during the first 2 years of life. Hearing loss (HL) during this critical period may have a negative impact on speech, language, academic, and socio-emotional development. Therefore, maternal knowledge of the risk factors associated with neonatal HL has a significant impact as most risk factors are preventable. The current review paper aimed at investigating the maternal knowledge and attitudes regarding the risk factors, early detection, and early intervention of neonatal HL in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting mothers of infants between the ages of 18 and 50 years in the Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire including 30 items was distributed to the targeted mothers. Results: A total of 384 mothers participated in the study. The majority of mothers were aware of head injuries/slaps on-ear (78%) and ear infections (ear discharge and pain) (74.30%) as risk factors contributing to infant HL. However, there was poor knowledge of other risk factors, including delayed crying at birth (17.50%), neonatal jaundice (12.60%), high-grade fever, and infections during pregnancy (17.80%), early and elderly pregnancy (13.40%), and premature birth, low birth weight (>1.75 kg) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (> 5 days) (15.80%).Conclusion: Actions must be taken to raise maternal awareness regarding HL risk factors, early identification,and possible interventions.