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Characteristics and Management of Childhood Tinnitus in a Developing Country
Waheed Atilade Adegbiji1, Gabriel Toye Olajide2, Olawale Olubi3
1ENT Department, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti , Nigeria.
Insights
Childhood tinnitus affects 6.2% of children, often linked to preventable causes like febrile illnesses and otitis media. This study highlights its impact on quality of life, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and management of pediatric tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Tinnitus is an underrecognized otologic symptom in children, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding its prevalence, characteristics, and causes is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of childhood tinnitus.
- To identify common causes and associated comorbidities affecting children with tinnitus in a developing country.
Main Methods:
- A prospective hospital-based study was conducted in Nigeria from April 2016 to March 2018.
- Data was collected via interviewer-assisted questionnaires from patients aged 18 and below with tinnitus complaints.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of childhood tinnitus was 6.2%, with males predominantly affected (56.1%).
- Common causes included febrile illnesses (19.7%), otitis media (16.7%), and noise exposure (15.9%).
- Tinnitus significantly impacted quality of life, causing anxiety, depression, and attention problems, with associated sleep and concentration disorders.
Conclusions:
- Childhood tinnitus is frequently associated with preventable conditions.
- Early identification of hearing impairment, comorbidities, and quality of life issues is essential for managing pediatric tinnitus.
Objectives:
Tinnitus is a commonly neglected otologic symptom among children in developing country. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of childhood tinnitus in a developing country.
Method:
This prospective hospital based study of patients' age 18 years and below with complaints of tinnitus was conducted in Ear, Nose and Throat Department of Ekiti state UniversityTeaching Hospital,Ado Ekiti,Nigeria between April 2016 to March 2018. The parents/guardians/patients were briefed about the scope of the study. After getting oral consent, pretested interviewers assisted questionnaire was administered to collect data. Data obtained were collated and analyzed using SPSS software version 18.0 and was expressed in simple tables and charts.
Results:
Prevalence of tinnitus in this study was 6.2%. There were 56.1% males and male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Majority 55.3% had single episode of tinnitus and long duration (>3 months) was commonest form of tinnitus in 59.1%. Bilateral tinnitus was recorded in 68.9% while subjective tinnitus constituted 93.9%. Discrete tinnitus was commoner in 67.4%. Major causes of tinnitus were febrile illnesses, otitis media, noise exposure, unknown (idiopathic), earwax impaction and ototoxicity in 19.7%, 16.7%, 15.9%, 14.4%, 12.9% and 9.8% respectively. A commonest tympanometric finding was type A in 72.7% of patients. Commonly affected quality of life were anxiety, depression and attention problem in 51.5%, 43.2% and 40.2% respectively. Associated comorbid illnesses in this study were 50.8% sleeping disorders, 42.4% concentration disorders and 31.1% headache. Referrals were mainly from paediatrician in 44.7%. Prehospital treatment was mainly medication in 62.1%. All the patients were counselled (assured). Other treatments given were conservative treatment, surgery, ear syringing and hearing aids in 56.1%, 15.9%, 12.9% and 9.1% patients respectively.
Conclusion:
Childhood tinnitus is caused by preventable diseases. At presentation there were associated hearing impairment, comorbid illnesses and affectation of quality of life.
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