Publication:

An institution based cross-sectional study on medical rehabilitation of deaf and dumb children in Ahmedabad

Background Hearing loss continues to be one of the most common birth defects in the world. But recent technological advances allow for identification of hearing loss soon after birth and management with various hearing aids. Present study gives baseline information on use and impact of hearing aids in deaf and dumb children.

Methods It was an institution based cross-sectional study covering 687 children from 3 deaf and dumb institutes in Ahmedabad. Pre-design proforma was used to collect information on their grades of hearing loss, use of hearing aid, cochlear implant, etc. Data was analysed in Epi-info 7.

Results Out of Total 687 deaf and dumb children there were 415 (60.41%) boys and 272 (39.59%) girls. All children had gone through audiometry. 513 (74.67%) children were visiting ENT specialist at regular interval. Most of the children 610 (95.61%) uses hearing aid machines and few of them 49 (7.44%) gone for cochlear implants. 549 (97.86%) children improved their skill after use of hearing aid.

Conclusion Use of hearing aid improves attention and confidence among deaf children. Regular follow up is also necessary in these children. Collective efforts from government, ENT specialists and community are much needed for rehabilitation of deaf and dumb children.