A cross sectional study of clinical profile of deaf mute children at tertiary care center

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Hearing is necessary to learn language, speech and to develop cognitive skills. Hearing helps in developing child to learn, recognize sounds, identify objects, events and internalize concepts. Effects of hearing loss on the development of child’s ability to learn, to communicate and to socialize can be devastating. The study is planned with the aim to study clinical profile of deaf mute children and to identify ‘socio-demographic’ and ‘health’ profile of deaf mute children. This study shows distribution of various socio-demographic factors in deaf mute children and to study their clinical profile. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The present cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at OPD of ENT department, Government Medical College and Hospital, Akola, Maharashtra. Study was carried out for a period of two months, it’s included Deaf mute children from 2-12 years of age. 50 subjects were reported over the study of 2 months. For data collection demographic parameters, complete birth history including prenatal, perinatal and postnatal history was noted. Thorough clinical examination was carried out with special attention to branchial arch system. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">There were 70% males compared to 30% females. Male: female ratio was 2.33: 1. Pneumonia (10%) and hyperbilirubinemia (10%) was the commonest health problem. In the study deafness were attributed to 38% genetic causes, 28% Non-genetic and idiopathic in 34% of children. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The age at detection of hearing loss is 0-2 yrs age at which if rehabilitation is done can benefit the child to the maximum. Delayed diagnosis of hearing loss can be explained on basis of community practices of neglecting delayed speech, lack of social awareness and partly due to absence of any active health surveillance in this aspect. Multistep protocol for hearing assessment and parental awareness about facilities of rehabilitation and accessibility of services should be emphasized.</span></p>

A study on morbidity and nutritional status of deaf-mute children attending a special school of Hyderabad, Telangana

“…This is in comparison to a study by Pawde et al where the most common health problems in deaf and mute children were pneumonia (10%), jaundice (10%), tonsillitis, exanthematous fever, and refractive errors. 12 A high proportion of children in the present study had dental caries (74%) compared to the study by Goud et al where the prevalence of dental caries was 49.3%. 13 But in contrast, Tefera et al found the prevalence of dental caries at 38.6%.…”

“…If no rehabilitation is done child develops physical and mental issues. 5,6 Improved survival rates, more advanced medical care, and increased longevity contribute to the increased number of disabled individuals. The greatest challenge that peoples with disability have to face is a societal misconception, i. e.; that they are a 'breed apart'.…”

An Observational Study of Hearing Impairment in Children Below 12 Years of Age at a Tertiary Care Centre

“…In the present study, there were 66.7% males and 33.3% females with male to female ratio of 2:1. Such male predominance is widely [9] [10]…”

Factors associated with deaf-mutism in children attending special schools of rural central India: A survey

“…Our study depicted the scenario in rural central India in contrast to the abovementioned ones in the northern region and in Alexandria and Tanzania. [ 18 19 20 ]…”

“…This signifies different approaches of the region and overall lack of awareness and concern regarding the early ENT examination and sensitization of doctors regarding the aspect of hearing loss. [ 18 19 20 ]…”