Abstract

Hearing loss among schoolchildren in developing countries is reported to be a significant health problem. Data on child hearing loss in South Sinai, a remote governorate of Egypt, are lacking. Middle ear diseases and hearing impairment were assessed among 453 primary-school children aged 7-10 years in South Sinai (906 ears). Otoscopic examination, tympanometry and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were done. Ear disease was found in 27.5% of the ears examined. The commonest cause was secretory otitis media (10.8%), followed by occluded earwax (9.5%). Mild and moderate hearing loss affected 8.5% of the sample, while sensorineural hearing loss affected 2.4%; only 0.4% had moderate and severe hearing loss. Hearing impairment affects 19.3% of this age group in South Sinai. None of the children with hearing impairment had been previously diagnosed or was receiving treatment and support. Hearing and middle ear screening at schools is recommended for early detection and management of middle ear and hearing problems.

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Authors

Yamamah G, Mabrouk A, Ghorab E, Ahmady M, Abdulsalam H

Institution

Paediatrics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. Yamamahg@hotmail.com

Source

Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de santé de la Méditerranée orientale = al-Majallah al-ṣiḥḥīyah li-sharq al-mutawassiṭ 18:3 2012 Mar pg 255-60

MeSH

Acoustic Impedance Tests
Analysis of Variance
Audiometry, Pure-Tone
Cerumen
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Ear, Middle
Early Diagnosis
Egypt
Female
Hearing Disorders
Humans
Male
Mass Screening
Medically Underserved Area
Otitis Media with Effusion
Otoscopy
School Health Services

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22574480