Characteristics of hearing impairment in Yemeni children with chronic suppurative otitis media: a case-control study

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a serious disorder particularly in low resource settings. It can lead to disabling hearing impairment and sometimes life-threatening infective complications.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of hearing impairment associated with CSOM in Yemeni children.

Methods: A case-control study of 75 children with CSOM and 74 healthy controls. Hearing was assessed by behavioural testing and audiometry.

Results: Cases had lower academic performance than controls (OR 15.31, 95% CI 1.99-322.14, p<0.001). Disabling hearing impairment >30 dB was present in 51.5% (right ear) and 66.7% (left ear) of children with CSOM.

Conclusion: Disabling hearing impairment was identified as a major health problem in these Yemeni children with CSOM. There is a need for investment to reduce the burden of CSOM and its complications in these communities. Greater attention to the chronic disabling effects of CSOM in children is required in poor communities and low resource settings.