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The Prevalence and Pattern of Hearing Impairment in Children With Epilepsy
Corresponding Author(s) : Aderonke Uhunmwangho- Courage
Journal of Health Sciences and Practice,
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2023): The Journal of Health Sciences and Practice (JHSP)
Abstract
Background: In developed countries, hearing impairment is ten times more common in children with epilepsy (CWE) compared to the general population. They may exist in the same individual due to shared aetiology, recurrent seizures or use of antiepileptic drugs. This comorbidity may impact the quality of life of children with epilepsy.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and predictors of hearing impairment among CWE in North-Central Nigeria to increase awareness and encourage early screening and intervention.
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in children with epilepsy at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and their apparently healthy age and sex-matched counterparts. Hearing assessment was performed using pure tone audiometry, free field audiometry, and otoacoustic emission on the study subjects.
Results: Twenty-four (24%) of the CWE had hearing impairment compared to seven (7%) of the controls (c2 11.03, p= 0.001). The severity of hearing impairment was mild, moderate, severe, and profound in five (5.0%), twelve (12.0%), three (3.0%), and four (4.0%) of the 100 CWE. No cases of severe or profound hearing impairment were found in the control group.
There was no statistically significant association between factors such as age group, age at onset of seizure, age at first presentation, school history, severity of seizures, intracranial infection, use of AED and hearing impairment in CWE.
Conclusion: Hearing impairment is more common among children with epilepsy compared to their age and sex-matched controls. Screening for hearing impairment should be done as part of the initial assessment of CWE.