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22. Relationship between Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss Among Children in Mirpur, AJK

Original Article

 

Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss Among Children

Relationship between Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss Among Children in Mirpur, AJK

Faisal Bashir1, Farooq Ahmed Noor2, Amna Ahmed Noor3, Alyia Imtiaz5, Ahmed Munir Qureshi2 and Tanveer Sadiq Chaudhry4

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the association between chronic ear infections and the prevalence of hearing loss in children.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Community Medicine & ENT of DHQ Hospital & MBBS Medical College, Mirpur AJK from 1st September 2023 to 30th March, 2024.

Methods: Comprehensive audiometric assessments were performed to evaluate hearing loss. Data on infection duration, frequency, and treatment history were collected through caregiver interviews and medical records. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, was used to determine the association between chronic ear infections and hearing loss.

Results: Of 300 children, 45% (n=135) exhibited some degree of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss was by far the most common type (79%, p<0.001), followed by mixed hearing loss (13%, p=0.02). Children with infection durations longer than six months were significantly more likely to experience hearing loss (OR=3.2; 95% CI: 2.2–4.6). Frequent infections (≥3 episodes per year) were also strongly associated with increased risk (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.7–4.3). Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly reduced the likelihood of hearing loss (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Chronic ear infections are strongly associated with hearing loss among children in Mirpur, AJK. These findings underscore the need for early intervention, routine hearing screenings, and public health initiatives to manage and prevent chronic ear infections effectively

Key Words: Chronic ear infections, hearing loss, children

Citation of article: Bashir F, Noor FA, Noor AA, Imtiaz A, Qureshi AM, Chaudhry TS. Relationship between Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss Among Children in Mirpur, AJK. Med Forum 2024;35(12):104-106. doi:10.60110/medforum.351222.