SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS;

(18-45 YEARS OF AGE)

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the etiology of SNHL
in young adults between 18-45 years of age. Study design: Prospective study. Place and
duration: The study was conducted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi from Jan 2012-
13. Patients and methods: Patients presenting with hearing loss/ear blockage and additional
symptoms were selected. Psychiatric problems were excluded from study. Patient’s problem
was analyzed through a protocol consisting of history, clinical examination, lab investigations,
radiology and audiology. Results: The results of 25 patients were as follows: The age ranged
from 18-45 years with marked preponderance of patients in 31-45 years age group amounting to
60% of the total cases.18-20 years groups were least affected. The incidence of SNHL gradually
increased in older age groups. There were more female patients 56% of the total as compared
to males, which were 44%. Bilateral SNHL was more 72% with compared to unilateral loss
which was 28%. The mode of onset was insidious in 72% cases while sudden loss was 28%.
The duration of symptoms ranged between 3 days to 15 years. While fluctuation of hearing loss
was observed in one case (4%). The nature of problem ranged from mild to severe. Associated
symptoms were present in different percentages. The hearing loss ranged from 10-80 decibel.
Trauma was the major cause 28% followed by infections in 16% with various causes in various
percentages. Conclusion: The trauma in the form of surgery, blast injury and occupational
noise is the major cause of SNHL in adults ranging between 18-45 years of age. Males are more
affected because of trauma than the females and younger groups more than older groups.