Sociodemographic and hearing profile of a population with sensorineural hearing loss in Chile

Background. Evidence-based information on genetic sensorineural hearing loss in Latin America is limited, hindering the advancement of related clinical practice and development relevant healthcare policies field. This study describes sociodemographic characteristics a group Chilean participants with congenital, childhood, progressive or late-onset unknown etiology; all non-genetic causes were excluded. Methods. A quantitative study, non-experimental, observational, cross-sectional design descriptive scope. From 978 patients diagnosed SNHL, 286 subjects fulfilled inclusion criteria, 138 accepted to participate. Results. The most frequent audiological-profile was symmetrical-bilateral-profound-SNHL sloping pattern. median age at audiological diagnosis 24.5 months (IQR:12-53) first-time Hearing-Assistive-Device-use (HAD-use) 30 (IQR:13-69). 71% HAD financed by public resources. Conclusion. SNHL suspected still far from international standards. These results are valuable for health research policy development, not only population, but also other Hispanic communities middle-high income countries.