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Prevalence of preventable ear disorders in over 15,000 schoolchildren in northern India
S K Chadha1, A Sayal, V Malhotra
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Preventable ear disorders are a significant health issue for Indian schoolchildren. Regular ear screenings can prevent hearing loss and ensure children
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Limited population-based data exists on the prevalence of preventable ear disorders in developing nations.
- Ear conditions significantly impact children's health and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of preventable ear disorders among primary school children (5-12 years) in northern India.
Main Methods:
- Screened 15,718 primary school children in New Delhi using a pro forma questionnaire.
- Conducted ear examinations via otoscopy and impedance audiometry.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of impacted cerumen: 7.93%.
- Prevalence of chronic otitis media: 4.79%.
- Prevalence of otitis media with effusion: 3.06%.
- Prevalence of acute otitis media: 0.65%.
- Prevalence of foreign bodies in ears: 0.34%.
Conclusions:
- Preventable ear diseases represent a substantial health concern in primary school children.
- Routine screening can mitigate the impact of hearing impairments and ear disorders on academic life.
- Study findings aid in prioritizing ear disorder treatment, planning, and resource allocation.
Background:
There is a considerable scarcity of reliable population-based data on the prevalence of preventable ear disorders in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of preventable ear disorders in primary school children (aged 5 to 12 years) in northern India.
Method:
A pro forma questionnaire was used to screen 15 718 primary school children in New Delhi for ear disorders. Ear examinations were conducted using otoscopy and impedance audiometry.
Results:
Impacted cerumen was prevalent in 7.93 per cent of schoolchildren, 4.79 per cent suffered from chronic otitis media and 3.06 per cent suffered from otitis media with effusion. Acute otitis media was detected in 0.65 per cent and foreign bodies were found in 0.34 per cent of the children.
Conclusion:
Preventable ear diseases posed a significant health problem among children at primary school level. Regular screening of children during this stage would ensure that their school lives were not affected by hearing impairments or preventable ear disorders. Information gathered in this study will help in effective treatment prioritisation of ear disorders, planning and resource allocation.
