Study of children with hearing impairment identified during pre-school or school health screenings

Abstract

This study focuses on cases in which hearing impairment was identified during pre-school and school health screenings and subsequently confirmed through a hearing examination at the Kumamoto Prefecture Welfare Consultation Center. The study cohort consisted of 29 patients (18 male and 11 female) who were referred for detailed hearing evaluations following preschool and school health screenings. Of these, 13 received a diagnosis of hearing impairment. All 13 cases were children in preschool or lower grades of elementary school. Within this group, seven patients were diagnosed with unilateral hearing impairment, excluding those with middle ear infections. Four additional cases of bilateral hearing impairment were identified, all of which exhibited mild sensorineural hearing loss. Unilateral hearing impairment and bilateral mild hearing impairment often manifest as limited self-awareness in affected individuals, making it challenging for those around them to detect the condition. This study underscores the importance of preschool and school health screenings in the early detection and management of hearing impairment.