Prevalence of hearing loss and health vulnerability in children aged 25 to 36 months: an analysis of spatial distribution

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the association between hearing loss and health vulnerability in children aged 25 to 36 months. Methods Analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted through child hearing screening in nine day-care centers. The screening consisted of anamnesis, otoscopy, tympanometry, transient otoacoustic emissions, and pure tone audiometry. For each exam performed, the 'pass' and 'fail' criteria were established. The children's residential addresses were georeferenced and a choropleth map of the spatial distribution was built, considering the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI). The analysis of the association between the HVI and the variables sex, auditory assessment, and region area of the household was performed using Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. Results Ninety-five children of both sexes were evaluated, of which 44.7% presented alterations in at least one of the exams performed, being referred for otorhinolaryngological evaluation and subsequent auditory assessment. Of the observed changes, 36.9% occurred in the tympanometry and 7.8% in the transient otoacoustic emissions. Among children referred for reassessment, 9.7% were diagnosed with conductive hearing loss, 13.6% results within normal limits and 21.4% did not attend for assessment. Of the children who presented the final diagnosis of conductive hearing loss (9.7%), 1.9% were classified as low-risk HVI and 6.8% as medium-risk HVI. There was statistical significance between HVI and the child's place of residence. Conclusion The association between hearing loss and HIV was not statistically significant; however, it was possible to observe that 77.7% of the children with hearing loss resided in sectors with medium- risk HIV