Cross-sectional epidemiology of hearing loss in Australian children aged 11–12 years old and 25-year secular trends

摘要: Objective In a national study of Australian children aged 11–12 years old, we examined the (1) prevalence and characteristics hearing loss, (2) its demographic risk factors (3) evidence for secular increases since 1990. Methods This is cross-sectional CheckPoint wave within Longitudinal Study Children. 1485 (49.8% retention; 49.7% boys) underwent air-conduction audiometry. Aim 1: loss (≥16 decibels level (dB HL)) was defined in four ways to enable prior/future comparisons: high Fletcher Index (mean 1, 2 4 kHz; primary outcome relevant speech perception), four-frequency (1, 2, 4 8 kHz), lower frequency (1 2 kHz) higher (4 8 kHz); aim 2: logistic regression by age, gender disadvantage index; 3: P trend examining reported studies arranged date Results For Index, bilateral unilateral ≥16 dB HL 9.3% 13.3%, respectively. Slight losses (16–25 dB HL) were more prevalent than mild or greater (≥26 dB (bilateral 8.5% vs 0.8%; 12.5% 0.9%), 11.0% 6.9%; 15.4% 11.5%). Demographic did not convincingly predict loss. Prevalence bilateral/unilateral has risen 1990 (all Conclusions relevance Childhood Future research should investigate causes, course impact these changes.