Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Sep 5;198:112555. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112555. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Congenital hearing loss (CHL) is a significant chronic condition affecting children’s development and communication skills. Globally, its incidence is 1.33 per 1000 newborns, but data from Gaza is limited, this study aims to investigate clinical profile, and risk factors associated with congenital hearing loss (CHL) in infants within the Gaza Strip, focusing on the period before the 2023 military escalation.
METHODS: A descriptive, hospital-based, prospective study was conducted at Sheikh Hamad Hospital, involving 163 infants diagnosed with CHL. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering socioeconomic status, clinical history, and family background. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing tests such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and multinomial logistic regression.
RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 12 months. Socioeconomic disparities significantly impacted diagnosis timing, with lower-income families receiving earlier diagnoses. NICU admission was linked to delayed diagnosis, while neonatal jaundice accelerated it. A positive family history of hearing impairment was associated with earlier detection. Most infants (87.7 %) had profound hearing loss, and 42.3 % had a family history of hearing impairment.
CONCLUSION: CHL in Gaza is influenced by socioeconomic and clinical factors, with delayed diagnoses more common among infants with NICU admissions or lower socioeconomic status. The findings highlight the need for universal screening programs and consistent follow-up care to mitigate disparities and improve early detection in resource-limited settings like Gaza, especially amidst ongoing conflict and healthcare disruptions.
PMID:40926435 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112555
