Prevalence of hearing loss in schoolchildren: populational study and global estimates

Introduction. Hearing impairments in schoolchildren affects learning and communication. Reliable data on hearing loss prevalence in this group are necessary for planning the audiological care.

Aim. To compare data from a  population-based study of  the hearing loss prevalence in  schoolchildren and estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in the Republic of Yemen.

Materials and methods. Data extraction was performed from the GBD database on the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss >20 dB among children aged 5–9 years in the Republic of Yemen. A two-stage study of hearing loss prevalence among primary school students aged 6–9 years in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, in a sample of 2200 children using screening audiometry at 20 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz is school settings, followed by tonal threshold audiometry and tympanometry in a specialized clinic. Hearing loss was assessed as unilateral or bilateral when hearing thresholds were higher than 25 dB.

Results. According to GBD estimates, bilateral hearing impairment in this population is 2.2%, including 1.4% of mild degree. According to the results of a Yemenian population study, mild and moderate hearing impairment was detected in 10.6%, of which 6.8% – unilateral, 3.8% – bilateral hearing loss. There were no cases of severe or profound hearing loss. The prevalence of otitis media with effusion was 6%, chronic suppurative otitis media – 1.8%, sensorineural hearing loss – 1.6%.

Conclusion. Bilateral hearing impairments occur in 2.2–3.8% of primary school students, with unilateral impairments the prevalence is up to 10.6%. Of these, at least 65% have conductive hearing loss due to pathology of the middle ear. The data obtained will improve the efficiency of ear and hearing care for schoolchildren.

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