Profile of Adult Deafness in a Second-Line Health Center in Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the epidemiological, etiological and therapeutic mapping of adult deafness in a second referral hospital in Black Africa. Our retrospective study covered a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018, in the ENT department of the CSREF of the commune I of the district of Bamako in Mali. The study focused on patients treated as outpatients for Deafness and presenting a complete file with a tonal audiometry form. During the study period, 39.28% of the patients admitted to outpatient clinics were adults, 10% had hearing loss, representing 3.9% of all admissions received. The male gender was the most represented, 54.67% with a sex ratio of 1.2. The 18-28 year olds were more numerous (40%), students/pupils 29.33%. Hearing loss was the most common reason for consultation with a rate of 53.33%. Tinnitus was the most frequent associated symptoms with a rate of 44%. The mode of onset was most often progressive (68%). The most common medical conditions were hypertension (22.66%), followed by meningitis (6.66%), with 53.33% of the cases having no particular medical condition. Trauma with 9.33% was the most mentioned risk factor. Chronic otitis media of all kinds was the dominant etiology 61%. 26.67% had a surgical indication and 33.33% a hearing aid. The prevalence of deafness in our context is relatively similar to the literature with similar epidemiological and clinical variables. Regarding the management, we note nevertheless some insufficiencies in particular as for the use of the tools of functional exploration in particular the vocal audiometry and especially at the level of the management but it should be noted that efforts are being accomplished concerning the levelling of the human resources, the surgery and the means of rehabilitation.