Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Background: This study highlighted the challenges associated with the management of congenital and early onset childhood hearing loss in a sub-Saharan African country Methods: A retrospective descriptive study between January 2008 and December 2013 Result: A total of 223 children consisting of 124 (55.6%) males with (M: F) of 1.3:1. The age ranged from 1 to 15 years and age group 1 to 5 years constituted the largest proportion (56.5%). congenital hearing impairment, febrile illness and hypoxia were the leading causes. Over 93% had moderately severe to profound hearing loss while 64.6% had delayed speech development. Only 16.5% of patients with congenital and birth asphyxia presented within the first year (X2=40.648, p=0.001). Less than 5% had hearing aid fitted and patients with profound hearing impairment were referred for cochlear implant Conclusion: There is a need for the government of developing countries to recognize the importance of hearing loss and allocate resources to promote primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of hearing impairment. This will be possible through effective obstetric care, incorporation of measles, mumps and rubella into the national immunization program, public and health workers enlightenment. A program for early hearing detection and intervention with readily available and affordable rehabilitative facilities is imperative as a secondary and tertiary prevention strategy. There is also a need for more funding of research in our environment to facilitate the diagnosis of Congenital and Genetic hearing loss.

Biography

Taiwo Olugbemiga had his MBChB degree from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile?Ife, Nigeria. He obtained his Post graduate fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, faculty of ORL (FMCORL) in May, 2012 and he is a member of the West African College of Surgeons. He is a Consultant in the department of ORL-H&NS of LAUTECH Teaching hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. He coordinates the academic program of the residency training in the department of ORL. He has published more than 16 papers in reputed journals and serving as a reviewer of reputable journals.