Study of incidence and type of deafness in children withdelayed and non development of speech in apediatric tertiary health care centre among 5500 childrenover 5 years

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood deafness is a multifaceted disability which affects a child’s ability to hear and delays the speech development and language learning skill. Thus results in cognitive impairments in these children including lower IQ scores, slower information processing skills and poorer literacy skills. Aim of the Study: To find the incidence and pattern of deafness in children with non and delayed development of speech and to look for the risk factors associated with this. Study Type: Retrospective, observational and analytical. Methods and Discussion: 5504 deaf children of 0 – 12 years attended OPD of Department of ENT Dr. B.C. ROY from June, 2014 – June, 2019.We have examined,taken detailed history, done audiological tests and assessed after dividing the children in three age groups. Children were subdivided according to the severity of deafness and relation of each kind of deafness with non and delayed development of speech were assessed. Associated risk factors were also looked for at each stage of study. Results: Highest number (3328) of deaf children were found in 0-3 years of age. 1502 deaf children were found in 3-7 years age group and 674 deaf children were found in 7-12 years age group. Speech and language development was significantly not developed in patients with profound and severe deaf children. Conclusion: Highest number of deaf children were found in 0-3 years of age group. Among the major risk factors that were identified during the study in this group were prematurity, LBW, HIE, neonatal jaundice and consanguineous marriage. While in 3-7 years and 7-12 years age groups, otitis media was seen to cause hearing loss more than the other etiologies.