Early Detection and Intervention for Hearing Impairment in Vietnamese Children Aged 0-6 Years

Abstract

Hearing impairment during early childhood poses a significant challenge to speech and language development, with long-term consequences on cognitive and social integration. This study systematically investigates the prevalence, associated risk factors, and effectiveness of early intervention for hearing impairment in children aged 0-6 years who underwent audiological assessment at the Audiology Department of the National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital of Vietnam. A total of 72 children were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of objective and subjective audiological tests, including otoacoustic emissions (OAE), auditory brainstem response (ABR), and auditory steady-state response (ASSR). The findings reveal that 40.2% of children were diagnosed with hearing impairment before six months of age, reflecting the increasing impact of neonatal hearing screening programs. However, 29.1% of cases were only identified after three years of age, indicating a substantial delay in diagnosis for a significant proportion of children. Bilateral hearing loss was the predominant presentation, affecting 93.1% of the cases, with profound hearing loss accounting for 65.1% of the affected children. Notably, early intervention demonstrated a measurable impact on access to hearing rehabilitation. The proportion of children utilizing hearing aids increased from 4.5% before diagnosis to 20.9% following audiological evaluation, while cochlear implantation rates rose from 0% to 7.5% after diagnosis. This study underscores the critical importance of early hearing screening and prompt intervention to mitigate the developmental consequences of hearing impairment. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of raising parental awareness and improving access to advanced audiological services to enhance early detection and effective management. The research provides new insights into the epidemiology of pediatric hearing impairment in Vietnam and emphasizes the urgent need for systematic neonatal hearing screening programs across healthcare facilities nationwide. Through these efforts, the study contributes to bridging the gap in early diagnosis and intervention, ultimately fostering better long-term outcomes for children with hearing impairment.