Pattern of Hearing Loss among Patients Attending Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Department at Kathmandu University Hospital

Background: Hearing loss is a major health problem in developing country including Nepal. The prevalence of disabling hearing loss is greatest in South Asia followed by Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa. World Health Organization estimates that hearing loss affects over 360 million people worldwide. Objective: To analyze the pattern of hearing loss among patients attending Otorhinolaryngology outpatient department. Methods: This is a retrospective review of data retrieved from the record of Pure Tone Audiomtery (PTA) results from Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu university hospital between 1st November 2014 to 31st October 2016.Total 1640 patients with hearing loss, who had undergone PTA were included in the study. The data were tabulated, analyzed and results were expressed in number and percentage. Results: Among 1640 patients with hearing loss, 964 (58.8%) cases were male, 676 (41.2%) were female 688 cases (41.9%) had unilateral involvement whereas 952(58.1%) cases had bilateral involvement. Number of right ear involved was 1321(50.9%) whereas left ear was 1271(49.1%).The commonest type of hearing loss was conductive type i.e. 1270(48.9%). In right ear, 598 cases (45.3%) were conductive, 455(34.4%) were sensorineural and 168(12.3%) were mixed. On left ear 572 (45%) were conductive, 490 (38.6%) were sensorineural and 209 (16.4%) were mixed. Mild hearing loss was seen in 1077 cases (41.6%), moderate in 833 (32.1%), severe in 457(17.6%), Profound in 225(8.7%). Common age group is between 20-30 years is 455(27.7%) and highest number was seen in newar ethnic group with 513 cases (31.3%). Conclusion: From this study we found that the commonest type of hearing loss is conductive and the commonest degree of hearing loss is Mild degree. The ear diseases are common but its diagnosis is usually delayed until the patient aware of their hearing loss. So the preventive measures like awareness programme, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are needed to improve this situation.