Problems in Early Identification of Children with Hearing Loss: A Narrative Review of Research

Early identification of hearing loss in children is crucial for their cognitive and linguistic development. So, the major objectives of this research were to identify the common practices, problems and challenges in early identification of children with hearing loss discussed in various studies. The research design was qualitative and narrative review was conducted to explore the challenges associated with the early detection of hearing loss in children. The study involved a comprehensive search of academic databases, medical journals, and credible sources to collect relevant studies focusing on the obstacles and limitations in identifying hearing loss at an early stage. After the literature search, the selected studies were critically evaluated. Key information was extracted from each study to identify common themes and patterns related to the challenges in early detection. Results highlighted the regional variations in the causes of hearing loss, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and screening programs in different parts of the country. Consanguinity, particularly first cousin marriages, emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood deafness in Pakistan. The prevalence of parental consanguinity was found to be high in certain regions, contributing to the increased risk of congenital hearing impairment in children. However, beyond consanguinity, other factors such as infectious diseases, genetic factors, and environmental influences can also lead to hearing loss in children. To overcome these challenges, several key recommendations can be proposed. Implementing universal newborn hearing screening programs is crucial to identify hearing impairment in infants before critical language and communication development stages. This requires collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy organizations to ensure equitable access to screening services across all regions