Severity and Types of Hearing Loss in Patients with Hypertrophic Adenoids

Background: Hearing loss in children can significantly impact language development and social interaction. Hypertrophic adenoids are a common pediatric condition that can contribute to hearing impairments. Understanding the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in this demographic is crucial for effective management and intervention strategies. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of hearing loss among children with hypertrophic adenoids, assessing the demographic characteristics and the types of hearing loss observed in this population. Methods: This observational cross-sectional survey was conducted over nine months at the Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. The study included a sample size of 339 children aged 5-13 years, calculated based on a prevalence rate of 67.3% for mild hearing loss. Children with comorbidities like Down syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and other disabilities were excluded. Hearing assessments were conducted using an otoscope, a tympanometer, and a diagnostic audiometer (MAICO MA41 model). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0, focusing on the frequency and percentage of various types of hearing loss. Results: The study included 183 males (54%) and 156 females (46%), with a higher representation from rural areas (60%, n=203). Tympanometric analysis revealed 51.9% (n=176) with Type A tympanograms, 43.1% (n=146) with Type B, and 5% (n=17) with Type C. Audiometric results showed that 53.1% (n=180) of participants had normal hearing levels, while 27.1% (n=92) experienced mild hearing loss, 16.2% (n=55) had moderate hearing loss, 3.5% (n=12) had moderately severe hearing loss, 1.5% (n=5) had sensorineural hearing loss, and 2.1% (n=7) had mixed hearing loss. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant occurrence of mild to moderate conductive hearing loss in children with hypertrophic adenoids, particularly in rural settings. These findings highlight the need for regular auditory screening and early intervention strategies in this demographic to prevent long-term speech and language complications.