Ear trauma in orlu, Nigeria: a five-year review

To review the presentation, types and aetiology of ear trauma and various factors affecting ear trauma in our patients over a 5 year period. All patients treated for ear trauma over a 5 year period were studied using their clinical records. Data extracted were analysed using SPSS version 11 software. The results were presented in simple descriptive and tabular forms. Forty-one patients, 18(43.90%) males and 23(56.10%) females were studied, ages 12-43 years, average 26.3 + 5 years. Blows/Slaps (65.85%) from assault was the commonest aetiology while bleeding from the ear (73.17%), hearing loss (70.73%) and tympanic membrane perforation (68.29%) were the most frequent presentations. Ear trauma is common and mostly affects the tympanic membrane. Sudden increase in canal pressure from blows/slaps was the major mechanism of injury. Management outcome was good except for few late presenters with compilations.