Parental Knowledge and Attitude Toward Childhood Hearing Loss and Hearing Services in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Childhood hearing loss (HL) can impede development and learning and requires early intervention. Community support, particularly parental awareness, is essential for effective audiology services. Assessing this awareness is crucial for designing appropriate hearing programs for children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding childhood HL and hearing services among the adult population in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 401 adult male and female participants aged 20 years and older, residing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire comprising demographic details and 26 items evaluating parental knowledge and attitudes toward HL. Total scores for knowledge and attitude were calculated, and the relationships between sociodemographic factors and levels of knowledge and attitudes toward HL were analyzed. Results Among all participants, 241 (60.1%) demonstrated a good level of knowledge, while 293 (73.1%) exhibited positive attitudes toward audiology services. Significant associations were observed between knowledge level and both age (p = 0.003) and sex (p = 0.008). Female participants accounted for 55.6% of those with positive attitudes, whereas male participants comprised 63.0% of those with negative attitudes, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Furthermore, widowed participants were significantly more likely to exhibit negative attitudes (10.2%) compared to only 2.4% among those with positive attitudes. Conclusion This study explored gaps in parental knowledge and awareness of childhood HL in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding specific risk factors. While overall attitudes toward hearing services were generally positive, targeted educational efforts are needed to improve awareness and foster more favorable attitudes among men and widowed individuals.