Prevalence of Hearing Impairment with Respect of Age and Gender in Patient with Otitis Media

Abstract

Background: Otitis media, a common middle ear infection, is a significant health concern due to its potential to cause hearing impairment. This study focuses on examining the prevalence and types of hearing loss associated with otitis media in a pediatric population, with a specific emphasis on age and gender demographics. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of hearing impairment among patients with otitis media, considering the impact of age and gender. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, from January to June 2023, at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. The study included 155 patients aged between 5 to 15 years, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Patients with other comorbid factors such as congenital syndromes and presbycusis were excluded to maintain data integrity. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, alongside diagnostic assessments including otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry. The collected data was then transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 25.0, for processing and analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to evaluate the data, with a focus on understanding the relationship between otitis media and hearing loss across different age groups and genders. Results: The demographic breakdown showed 58.1% (90) of patients aged 5-10 years and 41.9% (65) aged 11-15 years. Females represented 54.2% (84) of the participants, while males constituted 45.8% (71). The most common cause of otitis media was ear infection, accounting for 61.9% (96) of cases. The hearing loss analysis revealed that 70.3% of right ears and 81.9% of left ears had some form of hearing impairment. Conductive hearing loss was the most frequently observed type, affecting 65 right ears and 82 left ears. Conclusion: This study underscores the significant prevalence of hearing loss among pediatric patients with otitis media, particularly conductive hearing loss. There was a higher incidence of hearing loss in the left ear and a notable predominance among younger children. These findings highlight the need for early detection and intervention strategies in this demographic.