Prevalence of Speech, Language, and Hearing-related complaints in Brazil: an integrative review
1
Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
2
Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Human Communication, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
3
PIBIC Junior, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Prevalence data are essential to inform health planning; however, in the Brazilian context, there is still a lack of systematized information regarding speech, language, and hearing complaints1-2. Therefore, this study aimed to map the scientific production on the prevalence of speech, language, and hearing complaints in Brazil.
METHODS:
An integrative literature review was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO Brazil), Scopus, and Web of Science, with a complementary manual search in Google Scholar. The descriptors and free terms “Prevalence,” “Speech Therapy,” “Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences,” and “Brazil,” as well as their Portuguese and Spanish equivalents, were used. Study selection and data management were performed using the Rayyan platform.
RESULTS:
A total of 83 studies published between 2007 and 2022 were included, predominantly from the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The studies addressed voice (n=24), hearing and balance (n=18), dysphagia (n=16), orofacial disorders (n=8), language (n=8), and mixed complaints (n=9). Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 11466 participants, encompassing populations from neonates to older adults. The prevalence of complaints showed wide variability, with higher prevalence observed in voice and hearing disorders, particularly among older adults, and lower prevalence in language and orofacial myofunctional disorders among children. Overall, prevalence increased with age and was higher in specific clinical populations, revealing distinct patterns according to health condition and population context.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings demonstrate a high and heterogeneous prevalence of speech, language, and hearing complaints in Brazil, varying according to age, health condition, and population context. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive care within the health system, emphasizing early screening, prevention, and timely intervention, and provide evidence to support public policy development and health service planning across the life course.
Prevalence data are essential to inform health planning; however, in the Brazilian context, there is still a lack of systematized information regarding speech, language, and hearing complaints1-2. Therefore, this study aimed to map the scientific production on the prevalence of speech, language, and hearing complaints in Brazil.
METHODS:
An integrative literature review was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO Brazil), Scopus, and Web of Science, with a complementary manual search in Google Scholar. The descriptors and free terms “Prevalence,” “Speech Therapy,” “Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences,” and “Brazil,” as well as their Portuguese and Spanish equivalents, were used. Study selection and data management were performed using the Rayyan platform.
RESULTS:
A total of 83 studies published between 2007 and 2022 were included, predominantly from the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The studies addressed voice (n=24), hearing and balance (n=18), dysphagia (n=16), orofacial disorders (n=8), language (n=8), and mixed complaints (n=9). Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 11466 participants, encompassing populations from neonates to older adults. The prevalence of complaints showed wide variability, with higher prevalence observed in voice and hearing disorders, particularly among older adults, and lower prevalence in language and orofacial myofunctional disorders among children. Overall, prevalence increased with age and was higher in specific clinical populations, revealing distinct patterns according to health condition and population context.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings demonstrate a high and heterogeneous prevalence of speech, language, and hearing complaints in Brazil, varying according to age, health condition, and population context. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive care within the health system, emphasizing early screening, prevention, and timely intervention, and provide evidence to support public policy development and health service planning across the life course.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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