PEDIATRIC EAR DISEASES- AN OVERVIEW

Pediatric ear diseases form a majority of ear diseases presenting to the ENT OPDs. Most important among them are Acute otitis media [AOM] ,Otitis Media with Effusion [OME] .These two diseases form a major burden for Permanent childhood Hearing Impairment. Other diseases conditions like Wax ,Otitis externa includin Otomycosis for a major share of the pediatric ear cases. Foreignbody ,trauma ,CSOM also eloborate the list .In view of importance of pediatric ear disease which can cause a morbidity by affecting the hearing status and its impact on the productivity via education and societal burden ,our study was planned. Most common ear conditions,their presentations and managment protocols are discussed in the study. Aim: To study various ear diseases in pediatric age group. Patients And Methods: Atotal of 300 patients were included who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: The mean age was 8.7± 4.6 years consisting of 46% females and 54% males.In the study 37.4% had right ear involvement, 31% had left ear and 36% had bilateral involvement. Among the 300 subjects 54% had ear diseases and on comparison with age a significant association was seen between them especially the children between 102.8± 52.3 months. Conclusion:The most common diseases were impacted wax, otitis externa, ASOM and CSOM among the pediatric population attending ENTOPD.