Hearing loss-related knowledge and attitude toward neonatal hearing screening among Egyptian parents

Background Hearing loss is considered one of the most prevalent global health concerns. In Egypt, the accurate estimation of hearing loss among children is difficult to be determined owing to the absence of a national hearing screening program until now. The parents play an important role in the process of hearing screening and intervention. Their knowledge and attitude certainly influence their decisions. Their decisions toward early identification and intervention of hearing loss may have lifelong effects on the infant's life. Aim To assess the knowledge and attitude of Egyptian parents toward risk factors of infant hearing loss and its neonatal screening and treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 Egyptian parents through convenience sampling technique using an online questionnaire over a period of 3 months (from August 2018 to November 2018). Results Overall, 51.6% of the parents who participated in the study had a good knowledge about hearing loss, and 99.5% had a good attitude toward neonatal hearing screening. There was no significant association between knowledge, attitude, and sociodemographic characteristics except between the attitude toward child wearing of hearing aid and age of the parents. Conclusion and recommendation In spite of good positive attitude toward neonatal hearing screening and infant wearing of hearing aids among the studied parents only half of them showed a good level of knowledge about hearing loss. Accordingly, the application of a national newborn hearing screening program is highly recommended.