Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children

Hall, Amanda J.; Humphriss, Rachel; Baguley, David M.; Parker, Melanie; Steer, Colin D.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis. Design: A prospective UK population-based study. Study sample: A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires. Results: 3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors. Conclusions: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 2, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Dec 7, 2015
• Publication Date: 2016
• Deposit Date: Sep 6, 2018
• Journal: International Journal of Audiology
• Print ISSN: 1499-2027
• Electronic ISSN: 1708-8186
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Open
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 55
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 135-141
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2015.1092055
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1121510
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2015.1092055
• PMID: 26642866