Quality of Life among Hearing Loss Patients in Audiology Out Patient Clinics in Ain Shams University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss(HL) among adults is one of the most common chronic illnesses worldwide Quality of life(QoL) might be affected if hearing loss is severe, usually causes difficulty in communication , affects cognitive, emotional status; and increased morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of hearing loss is growing because of increasing exposure to excessive noise, increased life expectancy, smoking, cardiovascular risks and infection. Objectives: This study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) of hearing loss in outpatient clinics in Ain Shams University Hospitals and to recognize the factors which might affect the quality of life (QoL) in patients with hearing loss. Methods: This study is a cross sectional study. It was conducted from February 2018 to July 2018 on 311 patients with hearing loss attending audiology clinics located in Ain Shams University hospital. Data were collected using an interviewed questionnaire. Results: Out of 311 interviewed participants, (52.1%) were females, (24.1%) of the participants were between 18-29 years. Inflammation was found to be the main cause of hearing loss in 40% of the studied population.The environmental domain is the most affected QoL domain with the participants' hearing loss (Mean ± S.D =56.1+11.4) with statistical significant effect of using hearing aids on QoL improvement.Conclusion: Screening high risk group of hearing impairment must be a crucial task in primary health centers activities for early diagnosis and intervention to prevent hearing loss and thus maintain good QoL in adults.