Prevalence Of Unilateral Hearing Loss Research Articles

Prevalence of Childhood Hearing Loss in Rural Alaska.

Childhood hearing loss has well-known lifelong consequences. Certain rural populations are at higher risk for infection-related hearing loss. For Alaska Native children, historical data on hearing loss prevalence suggest a higher burden of infection-related hearing loss, but updated prevalence data are urgently needed in this high-risk population. Hearing data were collected as part of two school-based cluster-randomized trials in 15 communities in rural northwest Alaska over two academic years (2017-2019). All enrolled children from preschool to 12th grade were eligible. Pure-tone thresholds were obtained using standard audiometry and conditioned play when indicated. The analysis included the first available audiometric assessment for each child (n = 1634 participants, 3 to 21 years), except for the high-frequency analysis, which was limited to year 2 when higher frequencies were collected. Multiple imputation was used to quantify the prevalence of hearing loss in younger children, where missing data were more frequent due to the need for behavioral responses. Hearing loss in either ear was evaluated using both the former World Health Organization (WHO) definition (pure-tone average [PTA] > 25 dB) and the new WHO definition (PTA ≥ 20 dB), which was published after the study. Analyses with the new definition were limited to children 7 years and older due to incomplete data obtained on younger children at lower thresholds. The overall prevalence of hearing loss (PTA > 25 dB; 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) was 10.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.9 to 12.1). Hearing loss was predominately mild (PTA >25 to 40 dB; 8.9%, 95% CI, 7.4 to 10.5). The prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 7.7% (95% CI, 6.3 to 9.0). Conductive hearing loss (air-bone gap of ≥ 10 dB) was the most common hearing loss type (9.1%, 95% CI, 7.6 to 10.7). Stratified by age, hearing loss (PTA >25 dB) was more common in children 3 to 6 years (14.9%, 95% CI, 11.4 to 18.5) compared to children 7 years and older (8.7%, 95% CI, 7.1 to 10.4). In children 7 years and older, the new WHO definition increased the prevalence of hearing loss to 23.4% (95% CI, 21.0 to 25.8) compared to the former definition (8.7%, 95% CI, 7.1 to 10.4). Middle ear disease prevalence was 17.6% (95% CI, 15.7 to 19.4) and was higher in younger children (23.6%, 95% CI, 19.7 to 27.6) compared to older children (15.2%, 95% CI, 13.2 to 17.3). High-frequency hearing loss (4, 6, 8kHz) was present in 20.5% (95% CI, 18.4 to 22.7 [PTA >25 dB]) of all children and 22.8% (95% CI, 20.3 to 25.3 [PTA >25 dB]) and 29.7% (95% CI, 27.0 to 32.4 [PTA ≥ 20 dB]) of children 7 years and older (limited to year 2). This analysis represents the first prevalence study on childhood hearing loss in Alaska in over 60 years and is the largest cohort with hearing data ever collected in rural Alaska. Our results highlight that hearing loss continues to be common in rural Alaska Native children, with middle ear disease more prevalent in younger children and high-frequency hearing loss more prevalent with increasing age. Prevention efforts may benefit from managing hearing loss type by age. Lastly, continued research is needed on the impact of the new WHO definition of hearing loss on field studies.

New Multi-Center Clinical Trial to Address Cochlear Implantation of Children with Asymmetric Hearing Loss or Single-Sided Deafness

New Multi-Center Clinical Trial to Address Cochlear Implantation of Children with Asymmetric Hearing Loss or Single-Sided Deafness

Rehabilitation of sound localization ability in patients with unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness

The prevalence of unilateral hearing loss（UHL） is higher, and the clinical attention to the hearing rehabilitation of UHL is not enough, resulting in many UHL patients cannot get rehabilitation timely and effectively. Severe to profound UHL（also known as single-sided deafness） patients lack binaural hearing superiority, especially the inadequate ability of sound localization, which will seriously affect their daily life and academic performance. At present, the main rehabilitation methods of UHL include various kinds of bone conduction hearing aids, vibrant soundbridge and cochlear implantation, etc. However, the rehabilitation effect of UHL patients' ability to locate the sound source is affected by the occurrence age, the type, the degree and the duration of the hearing loss. The results of rehabilitation in different literature vary greatly. This paper reviews the effects of different rehabilitation strategies on the ability of sound location and analyzes its possible causes and mechanisms.

Factors Associated With Unilateral Hearing Loss and Impact on Communication in US Adults.

To investigate the factors associated with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and its impact on communication in US adults. Cross-sectional study. Nationally representative sample of US adults. We analyzed data from the 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, in which participants aged 20 to 69 years completed an audiometric evaluation (n = 8138). UHL was defined as a speech frequency pure-tone average ≥25 dB in the worse hearing ear and <25 dB in the better hearing ear. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between UHL and relevant factors. The prevalence of UHL was 8.1% (95% CI, 7.3%-9.0%) in US adults. Factors associated with UHL included older age, male sex, white race, lower level of education, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and off-work noise exposure. Among adults with UHL, 40% (95% CI, 32%-48%) reported subjective trouble with hearing, a rate higher than the 12% (95% CI, 11%-14%) among normal-hearing adults. After adjusting for relevant factors, adults with UHL were more likely to report difficulties with following conversations with noise (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5) and frustration when talking to family and friends (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9-4.6). Higher levels of communication difficulties were observed with worsening level of UHL. Adults with UHL report significant communication difficulties in comparison to normal-hearing adults. Further research is needed to understand the psychosocial impact of UHL on adults and ways to improve communication support for adults with UHL.

Association between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Disorder: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive disorder with memory dysfunction in South Korea using data from the Korean Health Insurance claims database for 2009–2015.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data of 66-year-old individuals who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Auditory function was evaluated using pure-tone audiometric testing. Cognitive disorder with memory dysfunction was assessed using standardized scores of the Prescreening Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire.ResultsAmong 1815835 participants at the age of 66 years, the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 5.84%, and that of bilateral hearing loss was 3.40%. The normal cognitive group comprised 86.35% of the participants, and the high-risk group for cognitive disorder with memory dysfunction totaled 13.65% of the participants. The bilateral hearing loss group had the highest percentage of subjects who responded “sometimes or frequently” to all five questions about cognitive disorder with memory dysfunction, compared to the normal hearing group or the unilateral hearing loss group. After adjusting for sex, smoking status, alcohol intake, exercise, income, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and depression, the odds ratios for cognitive disorder with memory dysfunction was 1.183 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.163–1.203] for bilateral hearing loss and 1.141 (95% CI: 1.126–1.156) for unilateral hearing loss, compared to the normal cognitive group.ConclusionHearing loss has a significant effect on cognitive function in the Korean population. In our study, individuals with bilateral hearing loss showed poorer cognitive function than those with unilateral hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

ObjectivesAge-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is a chronic disorder characterized by impairment of the transduction of acoustic signals. This study analysed the prevalence and demographic characteristics of ARHL in the Korean population.MethodsWe used the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2009 to 2012 and analysed the association between age and hearing impairment. A total of 16,799 adults were selected for the current study. Physical examinations, blood tests, otoscopic examinations, and hearing tests were performed. The demographic variables included age, gender, obesity, economic status, education level, noise exposure history, and underlying diseases.ResultsAmong 16,799 participants, the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 8% (1,349 people), and bilateral hearing loss was 5.9% (989 people). Men were 53.4% more likely to have hearing loss than women. Age and underlying diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, and abdominal obesity, were significantly associated with hearing loss (P < 0.0001). Further, mental health factors, such as cognitive function, depression, and suicidal ideation, were related to hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increased with advancing years, especially in the high frequency of 6 kHz, with a sharply increase in patients aged 65 and over.ConclusionThe analysis of auditory performance in the Korean population confirmed the association of high-frequency hearing loss with advancing age. A threshold of 6 kHz should be included to correctly diagnose hearing impairment in elderly patients. Patients with ARHL should be provided with suitable aural rehabilitation that includes active high-frequency control.

Prevalence of adult unilateral hearing loss and hearing aid use in the United States.

The prevalence of unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in adults has not been well characterized. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of UHL in U.S. adults and its treatment with hearing aids using a nationally representative study. Cross-sectional national epidemiologic study (n = 6,242). Subjects ≥ 18 years old with audiometric testing in the 2005 to 2006, 2009 to 2010, and 2011 to 2012 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study were included. UHL was defined as normal hearing (≤25 decibels hearing level [dB HL] pure tone average [PTA]) in one ear and at least mild hearing loss (>25 dB HL PTA) in the other ear. Hearing aid usage was defined by at least 5 hours per week (2005-2006) or at least seldom (2009-2012) use. Sampling weights were utilized to ensure generalizability to the U.S. The overall prevalence of UHL in adult Americans was 7.2% (95% confidence interval 6.1%-8.6%), with 5.7% (4.8%-6.7%) having mild and 1.5% (0.1%-2.1%) with moderate-or-worse UHL; nearly one-third of the latter reported trouble hearing. The prevalence of hearing aid usage in those with UHL was 2.0% (0.6%-6.7%). Of those with mild UHL, 1.4% (0.2%-8.0%) used hearing aids. Of those with moderate UHL, 4.2% (0.1%-22%) used hearing aids. Among those with UHL and also at least moderate subjective difficulty hearing, only 11% wore hearing aids. UHL is common among U.S. adults. Hearing aid usage is very low, even when there is perceived handicap. Public health education is needed to increase awareness of and auditory rehabilitation for UHL. 2. Laryngoscope, 128:1681-1686, 2018.

Association of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus with Health-Related Quality of Life: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BackgroundHearing loss and tinnitus are global public health concerns. There have been some studies suggesting a relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but there have been no large cross-sectional epidemiologic studies of a representative sample of the entire country population investigating this possible association.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus and HRQoL in South Korea using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys during 2010–2012.MethodsCross-sectional data of 11,266 adults who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed. Subjects were divided into four groups as follows: normal hearing without tinnitus, normal hearing with tinnitus, hearing loss without tinnitus, and hearing loss with tinnitus.ResultsAmong the population that was ≥19 years of age, the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 9.69% and that of tinnitus in the prior 12 months was 32.76%. The hearing loss with tinnitus group had the highest percentage of subjects who responded “some or extreme problems” in all five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) of HRQoL. After adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise, house income, education level, diabetes, hypertension, and stress level, the HRQoL odds ratios (OR) were 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–2.02) for mobility, 1.59 (95% CI, 1.07–2.37) for usual activity, and 1.84 (95% CI, 1.25–2.70) for anxiety/depression in the hearing loss with tinnitus group, compared with the normal hearing without tinnitus group. The ORs for the normal hearing with tinnitus group compared with the hearing loss without tinnitus group was increased in all five dimensions of HRQoL after adjustment for confounders.ConclusionHearing loss with tinnitus has a considerable impact on HRQoL in the Korean population. In our study, the hearing loss without tinnitus group showed better a HRQoL than the normal hearing with tinnitus group.

Teens at Risk: “We’re on the Edge of an Epidemic”

Teens at Risk: “We’re on the Edge of an Epidemic”

Highly Variable Population-Based Prevalence Rates of Unilateral Hearing Loss After the Application of Common Case Definitions

This study shows how population-based estimates of the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in children aged 6 to 19 yrs can differ considerably with various applications of commonly accepted case definitions. It also examines demographic variables and risk factors related to UHL. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted from 1988 to 1994, is a national population-based, cross-sectional survey. This study examined results of audiometric testing at 0.5 to 8 kHz and demographic data from in-person examination interviews. Three definitions of UHL were used: (1) 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz > or = 15 dB pure-tone average (PTA); (2) 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz > or = 15 dB PTA; and (3) 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz > or = 20 dB or PTA >25 dB at two or more frequencies above 2 kHz (3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz). Case definitions 2 and 3 are not merely subsets of case definition 1. Some overlap exists between the groups, but each case definition classifies a proportion of children who fall uniquely under that case definition. Inclusion of participants based on tympanometry results (test of middle ear function) was also examined as were demographic characteristics and risk factors associated with UHL. Overall, the weighted proportion of children with UHL using case definition 1 was 6.3% (approximately 3,213,000 children nationally); using case definition 2, it was 5.8% (approximately 2,958,000 nationally); using case definition 3, it was 3.0% (approximately 1,530,000 nationally). For all three case definitions, children who failed tympanometry were at higher risk for UHL than children who passed. For case definition 2, children from rural areas were at higher risk for UHL than were children from urban areas. This study demonstrates that different applications of well-accepted case definitions of UHL can influence population-based prevalence estimates, in this study by as much as a factor of 2. These findings highlight the importance of controlling for tympanometry status as a risk factor in such estimates. Which demographic characteristics and risk factors are significantly associated with hearing loss seem to vary depending on the case definition. These findings have implications for the interpretation of prevalence rates and risk factors in the literature on hearing loss in general. Prevalence rate estimates require careful consideration of the case definition of hearing loss, tympanometry status, and demographic characteristics.

Prevalence and Effects

Permanent unilateral hearing loss (UHL) of any degree and mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL) are common conditions of childhood. When left undetected and in the absence of intervention, both UHL and MBHL can adversely affect development and can result in difficulties in speech, language, behavior, and academic achievement for some children. This article describes the prevalence of UHL and MBHL among newborns and school-aged children, the definitions of UHL and MBHL, and provides an overview of the effects of these hearing losses on children's development. The article concludes that some children with UHL and MBHL are more at risk for problems than are others. Important questions for future research studies to ask are what subgroups of children with UHL and MBHL are likely to have difficulties with speech, language, reading, academic performance, and behavior; how do we identify these children; and what kinds of interventions are most appropriate for them?

Prevalence of unilateral hearing loss in children: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II and the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

We compared population-based prevalence rates of unilateral hearing loss among African-American, Cuban-American, Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, and non-Hispanic White children 6 to 19 yr of age. The prevalence (per thousand) of overall hearing loss (average decibel HTL >30) ranged from 6.4 in Mexican-Americans to 12.3 in Cuban-Americans. The prevalence of moderate to profound unilateral hearing loss (average decibel HTL >50) ranged from 0.0 in Cuban-Americans to 5.2 in Puerto Ricans. No statistically significant age or gender differences were found within any of the ethnic groups. Among these five ethnic groups, it is estimated that approximately 391,000 school-aged children in the United States have unilateral hearing loss.