Abstract Information: |
Title: |
Prevalence and outcomes of children with unilateral hearing loss depending on case definition |
Primary Track: |
2-Audiological Assessment and Intervention
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Keyword(s): |
unilateral hearing loss; prevalence; outcomes; case definition |
Abstract: |
Studies on prevalence and/or outcomes of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) are based on different case definitions of UHL, with varying threshold levels and frequencies used in calculating pure tone averages (PTA). The present study shows how population-based prevalence estimates and results of standardized testing of school-aged children with UHL can vary considerably with slight variations in UHL case definition.
This study used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national population-based cross-sectional survey, conducted from 1988-1994. Three definitions of UHL were used: (#1) 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz ?15 dB PTA; (#2) 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz ?15 dB PTA; (#3) 0.5, 1, 2 kHz ?20 dB or PTA >25 dB HL 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. Outcome variables included prevalence estimates, standardized arithmetic, reading, block design, and digit span tests.
The weighted prevalence of children with UHL using case definition #1 was 6.41%, 5.95% using case definition #2, and 3.22% using case definition #3. Rates resulting from case definitions #2 and #3 represented a proportional decrease from rate #1 of 7.2% and 49.8%, respectively. For standardized testing, children classified as having UHL using case definition #1 showed significantly lower mean scores for block design, reading, and arithmetic than comparison youth without hearing loss. However, no significant differences were noted between the comparison children and youth classified as having UHL using either of the other two case definitions.
This study demonstrates that prevalence rates and outcome measures should be interpreted with the case definition of hearing loss carefully considered. |
Presentation(s): |
Not Available
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Handouts: |
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