Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess Saudi parents’ awareness and attitude regarding childhood hearing loss (HL) and its associated risks.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 participants from the Saudi population using simple random sampling. Individuals aged 18-80 years were included. Data were collected through an anonymous, validated electronic questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp and Telegram. The survey covered demographic information, parental knowledge of HL risk factors, and attitude toward hearing screening.
Results: Most participants were female (68.3%) and aged between 18 and 50 years. Awareness of HL risk factors varied: high recognition of congenital causes (83.4%) and head trauma (62.1%), but lower awareness of chemotherapy (48.3%) and newborn infections (52.2%). A strong positive attitude toward hearing screening was evident, with 83.6% willing to allow school screenings and 81.6% stressing their importance. Reported barriers included difficulties accessing healthcare (46.5%) and concerns about social stigma (51.2%).
Conclusion: While Saudi parents generally understand the basics of childhood HL, notable gaps remain regarding lesser-known risk factors. The findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, targeted educational programs, improved healthcare access, and reducing cultural stigma. Enhanced public health campaigns might contribute to better early identification and intervention for children with hearing loss.

Key words: Childhood hearing loss, parental awareness, risk factors, hearing screening, Saudi Arabia