Factors associated with time of diagnosis and habilitation of congenital hearing loss in Indonesia: A multicenter study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate factors associated with time of diagnosis and habilitation of congenital hearing loss in Indonesia.

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January to December 2020 by collecting data on patients with congenital hearing loss using validated questionnaires.

Result: Among 535 children with congenital hearing loss, 2.7% had a family history of congenital hearing loss, 11.2% and 37.4% had a maternal history of ototoxic drugs and herbal medicine use during pregnancy, respectively, and 17.8% had prenatal exposure to TORCH infection. Lower maternal education level was shown to be associated with older age at diagnosis (p = 0.045), while older maternal age (p < 0.001), non-housewife mothers (p = 0.029), and out-of-pocket payment scheme (p = 0.027) were associated with a higher rate of habilitation.

Conclusion: The present study showed that the presence of family history, the use of certain medications during pregnancy, and prenatal TORCH infection are prevalent in children with congenital hearing loss in Indonesia. Several factors such as maternal education level, age, occupation, and habilitation payment scheme may be associated with time of diagnosis and habilitation of congenital hearing loss.

Keywords: Congenital hearing loss; Habilitation; Hearing screening.