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.
Highlights
Population based studies to measure the burden of hearing impairment are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa due largely to lack of political will and allocation of resources
Adult onset hearing loss is European Journal of Preventive Medicine 2016; 4(5): 113-119 hypothesized to represents the second highest percentage of contributors to the total years lived with disability (YLD) [2]
Consenting consecutive subjects were tested for hearing loss, by audiometry, and examined for the presence of other ear diseases and to diagnose the cause of the hearing loss [9]
Summary
Population based studies to measure the burden of hearing impairment are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa due largely to lack of political will and allocation of resources. Majority of hearing loss and its sequelae can be prevented or avoided, such as speech, language and communication problems on one hand, and social withdrawal and depression on the other. Hearing loss and ear diseases are generally neglected problems among children and adults in most low and middle income countries. Congenital and/or child-onset hearing loss is a concern as many can be found among children with certain risk factors such as: low birth weight, low socioeconomic status, overcrowding, lack of hygiene, respiratory tract infections, among others [1]. Adult onset hearing loss is European Journal of Preventive Medicine 2016; 4(5): 113-119 hypothesized to represents the second highest percentage of contributors to the total years lived with disability (YLD) [2]. It is hoped that such data, when generated will help guide policies and programmes in affected areas
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