Pre-school hearing screening: profile of children from Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Stephen Oluwatosin Adebola1, Samuel Oluyomi Ayodele, Oyeleye Abayomi Oyelakin
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ladoke Akintola University of TECH. Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Insights
Routine otoscopic and audiologic screenings in Nigerian preschools identified significant ear disease and hearing loss. Early otolaryngologic interventions improved pass rates, highlighting the need for routine school-based hearing health programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Public health
Background:
- Hearing impairment is a significant global health issue, particularly in preschool-aged children.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for speech, language, and cognitive development.
- Routine ear examinations are not standard practice in Nigerian preschools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of ear conditions and hearing loss in preschool children in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of otolaryngologic interventions for identified ear diseases and hearing impairments.
- To advocate for the integration of routine otoscopic and audiologic screenings in primary schools.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 101 preschool children (202 ears) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
- Screening included otoscopy and pure tone audiometry.
- Interventions were provided for identified cases, followed by re-evaluation.
Main Results:
- Initial otoscopic examination revealed a pass rate of 52.4%, with impacted cerumen and otitis media being common findings.
- Initial screening audiometry pass rate was 78.7%.
- Following interventions, otoscopic and audiometry pass rates improved to 88.6% and 93.6%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Basic otolaryngologic interventions significantly improved ear health and hearing screening pass rates in preschool children.
- Clinical examination (otoscopy) and audiologic evaluation are vital for detecting ear diseases and hearing impairments.
- Routine school-based ear and hearing screenings are recommended for early detection and rehabilitation in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Objectives:
To carry out otoscopic and audiologic examinations amongst pre-school children in Ogbomoso, Nigeria in order to identify any cases of hearing loss and to intervene where possible.
Study Design And Setting:
Prospective audiologic evaluations of children in Nursery I and II (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) in both private and public primary schools were carried out.
Methods:
One hundred and one children (202 ears) were screened using otoscopy and pure tone audiometry.
Results:
The age ranged from 3.5 to 6 years, mean age was 4.8 years (S.D. = 0.835), with a male population of 55 and 46 females (M:F ratio, 1.2:1). Otoscopic findings revealed normal findings (106) 52.4%, impacted cerumen auris, 44 (21.8%), otitis media with effusion, (28) 13.9%, perforated tympanic membrane, 24 (11.9%) and giving an otoscopic pass rate of 52.4%. Screening audiometry, on the other hand, recorded a pass rate of 78.7%. After 6-8 weeks of otolaryngologic intervention, the otoscopic pass rate improved to 88.6%, while the pass rate for screening audiometry also improved to 93.6%.
Conclusion/Significance:
From the study, an otoscopic pass rate of 52.9% and screening audiometry pass rate of 78.7% increased to 88.6% and 93.6%, respectively, through basic otolaryngologic interventions. The key roles played in identifying ear diseases with or without hearing impairments with the use of clinical examination (otoscopy) and audiologic evaluation in the pre-school age children has been highlighted in the study. Unfortunately, these evaluations are not performed routinely in children enrolled in both private and public primary schools in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. We advocate that the routine otoscopic examinations with screening audiometry be made available in all primary schools, in order to facilitate early detection and prompt rehabilitation of children with ear diseases and hearing impairment.
