Hearing Impairment in a Semi-urban Community in North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:Population based studies to measure the burden of hearing impairment are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa due largely to lack of allocation of resources. This study aims to report the prevalence and possible causes of hearing impairment in a semi-urban community. A cross-sectional community based survey using the World Health Organization Ear and Hearing disorders survey protocol was conducted in 2013. Adults and children hearing assessment was conducted via Pure-tone audiometry for air conduction thresholds at 0.5-4kHz with otoscopy. Ambient noise level was at 45dB. A total of 91 participants were tested with a hearing loss prevalence of 29(31.9%). Fifty three (58.2%) were females, population age range was 5-60years, with a mean age of 14.13years (SD: 13.51). Ear diseases were a major contributor to hearing loss 61(67.0%) affecting 5-14year old age-group, followed by unknown causes 19(20.9%). Other major causes of hearing impairment in this cohort were infectious diseases 8(8.8%), genetic conditions 2 (2.2%) and non-infectious conditions 1(1.1%) respectively. There was a significant difference in mean audiometric thresholds for the right and left ears respectively. The prevalence of hearing impairment in this community may indeed be quite high and calls for concerted efforts by relevant authorities to reduce the burden in our communities.

Prevalence and etiological factor of hearing impairment among school going children in rural area of district, Dehradun

“…While Ahmed et al reported male 41.8% and female was 58.2%. 3,4 In our study a prevalence rate of as much as 11% was found in otherwise apparently normal school children. These results are similar to those of Mishra et al and Sapra et al who found a prevalence rate of 21% and 16.60% respectively.…”