Pattern of Ear Diseases among Older People.
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Date
2008
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Published by Association of surgeon of East Africa and College of Surgeon of East, Central and Southern Africa.
Abstract
Background: The ageing process and the last stage of life is fulfilling for some and
disappointing for others there is scarcity of information about the pattern of ear diseases in the
older black African people, especially in Nigeria being the largest black African nation. This
study aims to highlight the pattern of ear diseases among the older people to provide an
objective basis for cost-effective health care planning for the increasing geriatric population in a
developing country.
Methods: A ten year hospital-based retrospective study at the ENT Department of University
College Hospital, Ibadan. All patients aged 65 years or older were enrolled into the study. The
biodata, clinical history and examination findings were retrieved.
Results: A total of 507 older patients were included in the study. The male to female sex ratio
was 1.1:1. Traders accounted for 200 (39.5%) of cases, 167 (32.9%) were pensioners, 100
(19.7%) were farmers and 40 (7.9%) being full-time housewives. The commonest ear disease
was impacted cerumen with bilateral less than unilateral hearing loss (Presbycusis) in 93
(18.2%) of the patients. Among cases with infective ear diseases, chronic suppurative otitis
media was diagnozed in 33 (6.5%) of which 26 (78.8%) were unilateral and 7 (21.2%) were
bilateral. Other conditions included otomycosis in 27 (5.4%), Tinnitus in 58 (11.5%) and foreign
body impaction in 2 (0.4%) of the cases
Conclusion: Impacted cerumen, hearing loss, and CSOM are the common diseases of the ear in
elderly, thus regular Otoscopy should be part of general medical check up. Continuing medical
education is recommended for the general practitioners for early recognition and referral.
Description
Pattern of Ear disease among the Elderly
Keywords
Ear Disease, Older People., Ageing, UCH, Ibadan
Citation
Afolabi. O.A, & Ijaduola, G.T.A. (2008): Pattern of Ear Diseases among Older People. East and Central African Journal of Surgery. 13(2); 96-100. Official Journal of Association of surgeon of East Africa and College of Surgeon of East, Central and Southern Africa.