A Cross Sectional Study of Clinical Profile of Deaf Mute Children at Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.