Impact of Unilateral hearing loss in children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of Unilateral hearing loss in children
IRAS ID
172404
Contact name
Jaya Nichani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hearing levels are typically measured using a scale dbHL. Hearing levels from -10 to 25dbHL are classed as normal hearing and hearing levels from 25 dbHL are classified as hearing loss, We aim to study children with normal hearing in one ear and persistant hearing loss in the other. This type of hearing loss is called Unilateral hearing loss(UHL). This study is being carried out, as the understanding of the impact of this condition amongst healthcare professionals is limited. Hence the care provided by healthcare professionals can vary from centre to centre. \n\nWith the ability to detect persistent unilateral hearing loss in children improving due to the introduction of new-born hearing screening program, there is a need to identify the effect this condition will have on a child, not only on their speech and language development, but also on their behaviour, performance at school and overall development. In order to improve our understanding, we will conduct interviews involving effected children and their parents and administer a standard questionnaire to assess the impact on speech and spatial qualities of hearing (SSQ) and assess effort and fatigue in children using a simple scale.\n\nWe will identify children from our audiology database at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and include English-speaking families who have provided informed consent. Children between the age of 11-17 years and their parents will be included in the study. The study will recruit a minimum of 15 patients depending on the number necessary to obtain all the information needed from the interviews to understand the condition fully. We anticipate the study will last approximately 18 months. \n\nThis, will provide us with a meaningful understanding of the effect unilateral hearing loss has in childhood and thus aid us in providing appropriate care. \n\n
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1080
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion