Pattern of Ear Diseases in the Patients Attending Ear Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Center in Eastern Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of disabling hearing loss for adults and children is greatest in South Asia followed by Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa. Nepal is one of the least developed nation where hearing loss and ear diseases is very common. Objective: To find out the pattern of ear diseases in the patients attending Ear outpatient department (OPD) of Biratnagar Eye Hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive review of data retrieved from the medical record section of the Hospital between January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 was done. The data were tabulated and analysed. The results are expressed in number and percentage. Results: Chronic suppurative otitis media, mucosal (42.64%) and ear wax/otomycosis (24.39%) were the commonest ear diseases found. Eustachian tube dysfunction (12.89%), acute otitis  media (0.74%), acute suppurative otitis media (2.9%), otitis media with effusion (0.54%) were other common diseases. Presbyacusis (10.09%) was found to be a common problem in adults. Various other external auditory canal problems and those of inner ear were also detected. Conclusions: Ear diseases are one of the major health problems in Nepal. This study has found chronic otitis media and ear wax/otomycosis to be commonest problems in children and adults attending the Ear OPD of Biratnagar eye hospital.