A Retrospective Epidemiological Study of Hearing Loss in Gims Teaching Hospital, Gulbarga
Keywords:
Ear, Hearing Loss, Deafness, Audiometry.Abstract
Introduction: Hearing impairment remains a significant yet overlooked public health issue in developing countries, despite the fact that about half of all instances could be prevented or detected early. The present study is carried out to know the prevalence of hearing loss in the region of Gulbarga district, Karnataka state, India.
Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study of hearing impairment was caried out in GIMS teaching hospital, Gulbarga from October 2021 to October 2023. Records of patients visiting ENT OPD with complaints of hearing loss including complete systemic, otological and audiological assessment were compiled and assessed.
Results: In our study, total of 3839 individuals were studied in different age groups, majority of the hearing impairment population (17.8%) belonged to age group of 21-30years. An alarming 86% of the population suffered from bilateral hearing loss, with male preponderance. When comparison was done between conductive, mixed and sensorineural, sensorineural weighed more. A summating 54% of the population was leading a life with disability.
Conclusion: Given the serious health and social consequences of hearing impairment, its prevalence is a cause of concern. Early detection and timely intervention have the potential to ameliorate this burden. Hence, making it important to include audiological assessment in routine health checkup and create awareness among the general public.
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