The factors associated with hearing impairment in school children

Abstract

Background: The morbidity of ENT infections have increased considerably in recent decades, so that they are now amongst the most common chronic disorders of childhood. Awareness of hearing deficit is poor in India. The major proportion of childhood hearing impairment in developing countries is secondary to preventable causes. At the same time, even mild degrees of hearing impairment can affect proper learning in noisy class rooms where speech is produced at a distance. This in turn can have significant impact on the scholastic performance and overall development.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to identify the factors leading to hearing impairment in school children aged 8years to 14 years in the schools in Vadamavanthal area during the months of January 2013 to July 2013. The students were interviewed through pre - tested questionnaire and aural examination was done by a qualified otolaryngologist.

Results: Out of 700 school, 216(30.9%) school children were suffering from hearing impairment. 139 (19.9%) students were found to be suffering from impacted wax, 67 (9.6%) were suffering from otitis media with effusion, 17 (2.4%) students were suffering from chronic suppurative otitis media and 5 (0.7%) students were suffering from foreign body impaction in ear.

Conclusions: Simple measures like regular screening for ear diseases and hearing assessment done at the school level can help identify hearing impairment which can be modified with early health education for students and teachers.