An appraisal of common otologic disorders as seen in a deaf population in North-Western Nigeria.

Background/objective: Deaf persons are equally susceptible to other otologic diseases as the rest of the population; however, there may be increased morbidity among the deaf population. The aim of the study is to determine common otologic problems and their prevalence among the deaf and to offer treatment where appropriate.

Materials And Methods: Six hundred and twenty students aged between 5 and 38 years with profound hearing loss were recruited from a special school for the deaf. Hearing level was assessed and full ENT examination including otoscopy was done.

Results: 22.4% [139] of the deaf students had otologic diseases, with 69.1% of them having wax impaction and chronic suppurative otitis media and otitis media with effusion accounting for 21.6 and 7.2% respectively.

Conclusion: The study showed that wax impaction is a common problem and this can be quite uncomfortable for some of the students. A routine general and otologic screening program targeted at the deaf and deaf-blind is recommended.