Noise‐induced hearing loss in children

Abstract

Occupational noise exposure remains the most commonly identified cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), but potentially hazardous noise can be encountered during leisure-time activities. NIHL in the pediatric population has received scant attention. This study focuses on 114 children and adolescents (ages 19 and under: 90.3% males) who were diagnosed as having probable NIHL on the basis of history and audiometric configuration. In 42 children the loss was unilateral, while the remaining 72 had sensorineural losses of varying configurations in the contralateral ear. The mean age of referral for evaluation was 12.7 years (range 1.2 to 19.8, SD 4.21), although 26% of these losses were diagnosed in children aged 10 years and younger. Such irreversible, but potentially preventable losses, should be given high priority on the public health agenda. Comprehensive, age-appropriate educational programs must be developed for elementary and secondary students and their parents to acquaint them with potentially hazardous noise sources in their environment.

Hearing Assessment in Infants and Children: Recommendations Beyond Neonatal Screening

“…Trauma to the nervous system, damaging noise levels, and ototoxic drugs can all place a child at risk of developing acquired hearing loss. 6,7 Otitis media is a common cause of usually reversible hearing loss. Certain physical findings, historical events, and developmental conditions may indicate a potential hearing problem.…”

“…Children with hearing loss should also be monitored for developmental and behavioral problems (attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, learning disabilities) and referred for Should correctly localize to sound presented in a horizontal plane, begin to imitate sounds in own speech repertoire or at least reciprocally vocalize with an adult [7][8][9][10][11][12] Should correctly localize to sound presented in any plane, should respond to name, even when spoken quietly [13][14][15] Should point toward an unexpected sound or to familiar objects or persons when asked [16][17][18] Should follow simple directions without gesture or other visual cues; can be trained to reach toward an interesting toy at midline when a sound is presented [19][20][21][22][23][24] Should point to body parts when asked; by 21 mo, can be trained to perform play audiometry additional evaluation when necessary. Health care professionals can use screening tools to evaluate young children periodically for such concerns (Table 7) and refer for additional evaluation when concerns arise.…”

Assessment of Knowledge of Harmful Effects and Exposure to Recreational Music in College Students of Delhi: A Cross Sectional Exploratory Study

“…Occupational noise exposure remains the most commonly identified cause of NIHL but potentially hazardous noise can be encountered during recreational activities [1].…”

Use of Sound-Absorbing Panel to Reduce Noisy Incubator Reverberating Effects

“…Noise exposure can affect health and cochlear function [3][4][5][6]. Long et al [4] noticed changes in oxygenation and intracerebral pressure accompanying noise bursts and Gadeke et al [7] observed infant sleep disturbances: these observations are important, because sudden changes in intracerebral perfusion may lead to cerebral haemorrhage [8] and disturbances in sleep cycles due to noise may provoke abnormal hormone production [9].…”