Prevalence and nature of hearing loss in a cohort of children with sickle cell disease.

Both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses are more prevalent in our study population than those observed in the general pediatric population. In children with SCD, sensorineural hearing loss appears to be acquired and unilateral. Conductive hearing loss was identified in older children and can persist. Serial screening is needed for early detection and more prompt intervention in this population.