Otitis media and hearing loss among 12-16–year-old Inuit of Inukjuak, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Objectives. Chronic otitis media (COM) and associated hearing loss is a frequent problem for many Inuit children in Canada. In this study, we evaluated individuals aged 12-16 years living in Inukjuak, to determine the prevalence of middle ear disease and hearing loss, and the effect of hearing loss on academic performance. Methods. Otological examination, hearing test, medical and school file review were performed in November 1997. 88 individuals were seen. Results. Otological examination revealed maximal scarring in 1.8%, minimal scarring in 34.9%, normal eardrums in 49.1% and chronic otitis media in 16.9%. There were 62 individuals whose ear exams could be directly compared with a previous exam done in 1987. Of those, there were three ears that had developed COM and 4/13ears with COM in 1987 that had healed. Hearing tests found bilateral normal hearing in 80% (PTA <20dB), unilateral loss in 15% and bilateral loss in 5%. Hearing loss was associated with poorer academic performance in Language (p<.05). A similar trend was found in Mathematics but not in Inuttitut. Conclusion. Chronic otitis media remains a significant problem among the Inuit, with a prevalence of 16.9% in individuals aged 12-16 years. One in five in this age group has hearing loss, and this hearing loss impacts on academic performance.

Postnatal Risk Factors of Congenital Hearing Impairment: Otitis Media, Head Injuries and Convulsions

“…Some other studies from Greenland indicate no association of breast feeding, dietary habits and passive cigarette smoking in the causation of COM (Homoe 2001). In a study carried out in Inuit the prevalence of children with chronic otitis media was high in the age group of 12-16years (Ayukawa et al 2004). The observation was in close agreement with the result obtained in this study where high percentage of children with this condition was noticed in the age group of 11-15 years.…”

A decade of research in Inuit children, youth, and maternal health in Canada: areas of concentrations and scarcities

“…The impact of these infections is significant. One in 5 youth experienced hearing loss with a demonstrable impact on school performance ( 35 ). Hearing screening and retesting was recommended for surveillance ( 36 ).…”

The modern approaches to the evaluation of the importance of chronic inflammation in the mucous membrane of the middle ear

“…У детей с поражением слуха связано нарушение формирования речи, психоэмоционального развития, что приводит к существенному ухудшению ка чества жизни и результатов обучения [15][16][17]. Среди дру гих гнойных и негнойных заболеваний среднего и вну треннего уха на долю тугоухости, вызванной ХГСО, при ходится 46,4% [18][19][20][21].…”