Prevalence of Hearing Loss among Primary School Students in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- VernacularTitle:Улаанбаатар хотын ерөнхий боловсролын сургуулийн бага ангийн сурагчдын сонсгол бууралтын тархалтын судалгаа
- Author:
Uyanga D
1
;
Dorjpagma E
2
;
Batzorig B
3
;
Byambasuren L
4
;
Chimedsuren O
5
;
Enkh-Oyun Ts
3
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences; Department of otorhinolaryngology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia
2. Central hospital of closed prison under the General Executive Agency of Court Decision
3. Department of Epidemiology and biostatistics, School of Public health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
4. Department of otorhinolaryngology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia
5. Mongolian Academy of Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
hearing loss;
primary school;
screening;
audiometry
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2026;215(1):3-8
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Hearing loss is an important public health issue that negatively affects
children’s speech, cognitive development, academic performance, and social interaction.
Even mild hearing impairment may lead to adverse developmental outcomes. However, data
on hearing loss among primary school children in Mongolia remain limited.
Goals:To determine the prevalence, type, and severity of hearing loss among primary school
students in Ulaanbaatar and to assess associated socio-demographic factors.
Material and Method:A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,254 primary school students.
Hearing screening was performed using pure-tone audiometry following a standardized
protocol. Students who failed the screening were referred for confirmatory diagnostic
audiometry. Hearing loss was classified as mild (21–35 dB), moderate (36–50 dB), and severe (≥50 dB). Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical
analysis data were analyzed using RStudio software. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarize participant characteristics. Associations between hearing loss and independent
variables were examined using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. Variables
with p<0.20 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression
model. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and p<0.05
was considered statistically significant.
Ethical considerations:The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (Approval No. 2024/3
06). Written informed consent was obtained from parents or legal guardians, and assent was
obtained from participating students prior to data collection.
Results:Of the 1,254 students, 116 (9.2%) required further evaluation, and hearing loss was
confirmed in 23 students (1.8%). Most cases were mild in severity. Paternal education level
was significantly associated with hearing loss (p=0.028), whereas no significant associations
were observed for sex or household income.
Conclusion:The prevalence of hearing loss among primary school students in Ulaanbaatar was 1.8%,
with most cases being mild and unilateral. These findings highlight the importance of
implementing regular school-based hearing screening programs and improving parental
awareness of children’s hearing health.
- Full text:2026070408273297020MAUS-2026-215(1)-3-8.pdf
