Prevalência de perda auditiva incapacitante em Juiz de Fora, Brasil

Abstract

Dat a on the prevalence of disabling hearing loss (DHL) in Brazil is scarce, which impacts healthcare professionals' knowledge on the extent of the problem. Objectives:This study aimed at estimating DHL prevalence in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, to identify individual-related variables and find risk areas. Materials and Methods:This was a descriptive sectional population study held from January to October of 2009. We randomly selected 349 households with 1,050 individuals who with ages ranging between 4 days and 95 years. The data collection instruments were: WHO structured questionnaire, ENT examination and laboratory tests. Chi-square and Poisson regression models were used for analyses.Results: DHL prevalence was estimated at 5.2% (95% CI = 3.1 to 7.3) which was classified as moderate in 3.9% (95% CI = 0.001 to 0.134), severe in 0.9% (95% CI = 0.001 to 0.107) and profound in 0.4% (95% CI = 0.001 to 0.095). We found correlation between DHL and tinnitus; age over 60 years and low educational level. Conclusions:Our data obtained pointed to the need to create hearing health programs targeted to specific risk groups, promoting quality of life for hearing impaired patients. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;78(4):52-8. ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Associated Factors in School-Age Individuals in an Urban Area of Northeast Brazil

“…The protocol "Ear and hearing disorders survey" proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) performed an investigation on "ear pain" 34 but it is worth mentioning that the objective of the protocol was wider than only determining the prevalence of hearing loss. Besides, studies of this nature that have followed this protocol 13,33,35,36 did not present "ear pain/ache" in their results. Among school-age individuals, between the ages of 5 and 14 years old in India, one of the most common ear, nose and throat problem reported was earache, in 8.67% of the sample, 37 which was lower than what was presented herein.…”

“…Two studies that evaluated incapacitating hearing losses found prevalences of 7.1% 33 and 3.03%. 13 However, data presented herein could relate to these studies, as incapacitating loss does not include individuals with discrete and slight loss, for example. Such an inclusion would increase prevalence, such as the value of 16.84% found in the South region of the country, 32 similar to that presented herein.…”

“…4 Hearing losses can result from several causes, 5 and risk factors for school-age individuals can be otological or nonotological, 6 such as genetic factors, birth complications, superior airway infections, 7 middle ear infections, 8,9 use of specific drugs and exposure to excessive noise. 10 Studies indicate an effect of social and economic conditions on the prevalence of hearing loss in school-age individuals, such as low socioeconomic levels, 11,12 income, 6,8 education levels, 13 and low maternal education level. 14 More than 5% of the world population -466 million peoplepresent incapacitating hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children).…”

Perda auditiva e qualidade de vida em idosos

“…Ainda com relação ao grau de perda auditiva, constatou-se que os idosos com idade mais elevada apresentavam maior grau de perda auditiva. Resultados semelhantes foram observados por estudos anteriores que salientam a progressão da perda auditiva com o aumento da idade (CARMO et al, 2008;MENESES et al, 2010;KIDD;HUMES, 2012;BARAKY et al, 2012).…”

“…Ao analisar a presença e o grau de perda auditiva e o sexo dos componentes da amostra, não foram observadas associações, em semelhança ao que foi relatado por Lasisi, Abiona e Gureje (2010), mas contrariamente ao que foi descrito por Carmo et al (2008), Sousa et al (2009) e Baraky et al (2012). Este fato pode ser atribuído às características dos indivíduos avaliados.…”