INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus in children is still rarely mentioned in medical literature. The prevalence of pediatric tinnitus has been reported to range between 3-37% and higher in children with hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the tinnitus in 7 years old children and to conduct statistical analysis of the relation between tinnitus and hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 60 212 children and their parents were asked about the presence of tinnitus by answering a questionnaire at home. Additionally, children were asked if they can hear noise in their ears or head, before hand hearing screening test at school was conducted. The hearing screening test was performed using screening audiometer with air conduction. RESULTS: The results showed that tinnitus was present in group of 8164 children (13.6%). Between children directly asked for tinnitus, 33% mentioned of having it. Over 75% of children did not complained of tinnitus spontaneously to parents. Children with hearing loss reported tinnitus twice more comparing to children with normal hearing. CONCLUSIONS: Tinnitus is frequent complain among 7 years old children. Children with hearing loss reported tinnitus twice more comparing to children with normal hearing. It is recommended to include to a questionnaire an inquiry about the presence of tinnitus during hearing screening tests performed recently more frequently at primary schools for early detection and diagnosis of tinnitus.
INTRODUCTION:Tinnitus in children is still rarely mentioned in medical literature. The prevalence of pediatric tinnitus has been reported to range between 3-37% and higher in children with hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the tinnitus in 7 years old children and to conduct statistical analysis of the relation between tinnitus and hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 60 212 children and their parents were asked about the presence of tinnitus by answering a questionnaire at home. Additionally, children were asked if they can hear noise in their ears or head, before hand hearing screening test at school was conducted. The hearing screening test was performed using screening audiometer with air conduction. RESULTS: The results showed that tinnitus was present in group of 8164 children (13.6%). Between children directly asked for tinnitus, 33% mentioned of having it. Over 75% of children did not complained of tinnitus spontaneously to parents. Children with hearing loss reported tinnitus twice more comparing to children with normal hearing. CONCLUSIONS:Tinnitus is frequent complain among 7 years old children. Children with hearing loss reported tinnitus twice more comparing to children with normal hearing. It is recommended to include to a questionnaire an inquiry about the presence of tinnitus during hearing screening tests performed recently more frequently at primary schools for early detection and diagnosis of tinnitus.