Hearing loss prevalence and hearing health among school-aged children in the Canadian Arctic.
Int J Audiol
; 60(7): 521-531, 2021 07.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32180475
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Hearing loss is an important health concern in Canada's Arctic. The objective of this research was to provide information on the prevalence of childhood hearing loss in Nunavut.DESIGN:
This cross-sectional study involved comprehensive audiologic assessments of school-aged children in six communities to determine overall and community-specific prevalence of hearing loss. Data were collected about hearing aid use and factors affecting use through a parent questionnaire. STUDY SAMPLE Assessments were completed for 644 children in kindergarten to grade 6.RESULTS:
124 (19.3%) children had hearing loss of ≥ 30 dB HL at one or more frequencies in at least one ear (93.5% conductive loss). Applying a Canadian prevalence study definition, 148 (23.5%) children had hearing loss. Tympanic membrane perforations were present in 36.8% (n = 28) of children with unilateral and 45.8% (n = 22) with bilateral loss.CONCLUSIONS:
The prevalence of hearing loss in Canada's North was almost three times that reported for non-indigenous children. One in five school-aged children was found to have hearing loss that is likely to affect classroom learning and social/emotional development. A hearing health strategy tailored to this population is critically needed.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Pérdida Auditiva
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Child
/
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Audiol
Asunto de la revista:
AUDIOLOGIA
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá