Study on auditory difficulties prevail in primary school-aged children from the coastal region of Karaikal, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Auditory health difficulties can impede educational outcomes in children. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of auditory challenges and difficulties among school- going children in primary schools and its relation with the high humidity level in this coastal region of Karaikal Puducherry. Subjects and Methods: We assessed 306 students aged 6 to 12 who participated in the screening program. Hearing evaluations were conducted by Audiologists in 5 primary schools in the coastal region of Karaikal. Each child underwent an otoscopic examination, followed by pure tone audiometry and immittance audiometry. Results: The results showed a range of otological symptoms and conditions, including normal ear condition in 235 (77%), occluding wax in 37 (12%), active ear discharge in 16 (5%), perforated eardrums in 6 (2%), and otalgia in 6 (2%), Congenital hearing loss in 6 (2%). Conclusion: The study highlighted the importance of conducting hearing screenings for primary school children residing in coastal regions of Karaikal, where high humidity is prevalent, early detection and intervention can significantly alleviate conditions such as earwax compaction.