Ear-related problems among children attending the paediatric and otorhinolaryngology  out-patients clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
Ilechukwu GC, Ilechukwu CGA, Ezeanolue BC, Okoroafor IJ, Ojinnaka NC,  Ubesie AC3, Emechebe GO, Eze J
1. Whiston Hospital, St Helen’s and Knowsley Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Prescot, United Kingdom.
2. Department of Orthorhinolaryngology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
3. Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu
4. Department of Paediatrics, Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Awka
5. Royal Victoria Infirmary, New Castle

Abstract
Background: Ear related diseases are commonly seen in clinics worldwide especially among children. They are associated  with significant morbidity and frequent hospital visits. Limited data exists regarding the burden of ear disease among Nigerian
children.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ear-related problems among children presenting at the Paediatric and Otorhinolaryngology clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Paediatric and Otorhinolaryngology Clinics of the
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. All children aged 0 and 17 years presenting between 1stJune and 31st August  2006 with ear-related problems were enrolled consecutively into the study. Data analysis was by SPSS version 11.

Results: Three thousand and twenty-one children were seen during the study period. Out of these, 248 children (8.2%) presented with ear-related problems. Chronic otitis media (30.5%), acute otitis media (29.9%), cerumen auris (11.3%), otitis externa(10.1%), hearing impairment (7.3%) and foreign body in the ear (5.7%) were the most commonly diagnosed ear-related  problems.

Conclusion: Ear-related problems among children presenting at the UNTH Enugu were not uncommon. However, otitis media was the most commonly diagnosed ailment affecting the ears in children.

Keywords:Ear-related problems, children, Enugu, otitis media