A Stratified Analysis of the Associations of Hearing Loss and Allergic Rhinitis with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Korea

We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study to investigate the association between hearing loss and allergic rhinitis with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using pediatric patient samples from the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database (2009-2018). Baseline demographics and the relationships of both conditions with ADHD were analyzed. Both hearing loss and allergic rhinitis were significantly associated with ADHD, and patients with both hearing loss and allergic rhinitis showed a stronger association with ADHD compared to patients with either hearing loss or allergic rhinitis alone. The association of hearing loss with ADHD appeared to be stronger in girls than in boys. Our study revisited the link between hearing loss and allergic rhinitis with ADHD, using healthcare big data to provide more definitive evidence. Contrary to expectations, hearing loss demonstrated a stronger association with ADHD in girls than in boys, suggesting it could serve as an independent risk factor for ADHD.