WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Naji Abed Radhi, Ali Abed Radhi, Suhad Abdul Wahed Younis, Abbas Ejbaree Kawad

ABSTRACT

Background: Hearing impairment is a common but often underestimated public health problem that affects communication, social interaction, and quality of life. Age-related degeneration and noise exposure remain major contributing factors worldwide. This study aimed to assess the clinico-epidemiological pattern of hearing impairment among attendants to audiology departments in Baghdad. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the audiology departments of Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital between July and September 2004. Two hundred patients aged 18–55 years with abnormal pure tone audiometry were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, occupational history, associated diseases, family history, and exposure to accidents or explosions. Hearing thresholds were measured using standardized pure tone audiometry. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results: The largest proportion of participants were aged ≥50 years (39.5%), and males constituted 70% of the sample. Severe hearing impairment was the most common grade (57.5%), while sensorineural hearing loss represented the predominant type (47.5%). Only 11.5% reported a positive family history. Cardiovascular disease (30.5%) and diabetes mellitus (22%) were the most frequent comorbidities. More than half of the participants reported exposure to explosions or accidents, and military and police personnel formed the largest occupational group. Conclusion: Hearing impairment in this population was mainly severe and sensorineural, with higher prevalence among older males and individuals exposed to occupational or environmental noise hazards. Early screening and preventive hearing conservation strategies are recommended.

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