# Regional Patterns and Risk Factors of Hearing Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study Across Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study explores the prevalence and risk factors of hearing loss in Saudi Arabia, finding age, noise exposure, and family history as key contributors.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into hearing loss in Saudi Arabia, identifying novel risk factors and regional patterns.

## Key findings

- Age was significantly associated with hearing loss, with peaks in the 51-60 and 71-80 age groups.
- Noise exposure and medication use were statistically significant risk factors for hearing loss.
- Family history of hearing loss was reported by 51.9% of participants, suggesting a genetic component.

## Abstract

Introduction

Hearing loss (HL) is a major public health issue affecting communication, social interaction, and quality of life. Despite the global recognition of HL as a growing concern, there is a scarcity of region-specific data in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to understand the frequency and rates of HL in this region and the potential factors contributing to the disorder.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized a web-based, self-administered questionnaire created with Google Forms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24 (Released 2016; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States).

Results

In the 789 responses, 6.6% reported HL, with 62.4% from the Eastern region, of which 41.2% were employed and 31.7% were students. Despite 36.5% reporting HL for more than five years, only 21.2% sought treatment. Additionally, 19.2% reported diabetes, and 51.9% had a family history of HL. Ages 11-50 years showed female predominance (females, 59.1%; males, 41%). Age was significant in HL (p < 0.001) irrespective of gender (males, 6.8%; females, 6.4%; p = 0.838), reaching peaks at 17.2% in the 51-60-year group and 25% in the 71-80-year group, implying a potential risk (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.78-2.81; p = 0.032). A total of 34.6% indicated genetics as the main cause, followed by noise (26.9%), while infections, stroke, and fever accounted for 19.2%. Air or sea travel (7.7%) was insignificant (p = 0.628), while head injuries (11.5%) and exposure to low or high altitudes were reported in 21.2%. Noise hazard (p = 0.048) and medication use (p = 0.017) were significant in HL.

Conclusion

Thus, we demonstrate that age, noise exposure, and inheritance history are major predisposing factors. However, the study was limited by a relatively small sample size. Future large-scale, cohort multicenter studies using factual clinical data would provide deeper insights into HL.