Audiologic findings in patients with hearing loss, Babol, 1997

Abstract

Objective: Most of the causes for hearing loss in human could be prevented by early diagnosis and therapy is possible. So by detecting the types of hearing loss and it’s causes we can reduce socio-economical problems due to it. This survey was done to identify audiometric parameters in patients with hearing loss and to detect the most common causes. Methods: In this survey patients referred to ear-nose and throat clinic of Babol university of medical sciences from June until May 1997 were studied. In questionnaire, patient history due to his statements and final diagnosis reached by complete examination and audiometric findings were indicated. Hearing loss in these patients was surveyed in 3 main categories (Conductive, Neuro-sensory and mixed) and causative mechanisms for hearing loss and related etiologies also severity of hearing loss were studied. Findings: Conductive hearing loss was the most common type in surveyed patients (47%) and after that in order were neuro-sensory hearing loss (34.5%) and mixed hearing loss (13.2%). Due to severity most of cases were of mild or moderate ones. Among different factors that caused hearing loss, chronic otitis media was the most common (26%) that shows its importance in causing hearing loss in our country. The second common factor was senile hearing loss (22%), which differs to some extent with results of, developed countries and may be it was because of lower average age in our country. Other common causes were serous otitis media (21.5%), sudden hearing loss (6.6%), autosclerosis (6.6%), adhesive otitis media and head trauma. Conclusion: Due to results of this survey it could be concluded that infections are the most causes for hearing loss. By doing preventive care and early therapy of these infection, we can reduce the occurrence of hearing loss.

Keywords

• audiology
• ear
• etiology
• hearing loss