Prevalence of hearing loss among patients attending the private otolaryngology clinic, Ramadi city, Anbar, Iraq

Hearing loss is a common problem worldwide with a global prevalence of 20%. There is no local relevant study from Iraq about the prevalence of hearing loss.

To assess the prevalence of hearing loss among patients attending the otolaryngology clinic, Ramadi city, Iraq.

This retrospective study was conducted at the otolaryngology clinic, Ramadi city, Anbar government, Iraq. Patients with hearing loss were enrolled in the current study. Data were gathered from patients record regarding the age, sex, type, side, and severity of hearing loss. Additionally, the number of cases were registered for each month during the study period.

Out of 8497, there were 2165 (25.48%) patients with hearing loss. The highest number of cases was registered in April (n = 246, 11.4%). The highest age group affected was 18–60 years (n = 1125) with slight male predominance (51.64%). The main cause of hearing loss was secretary otitis media (n = 762, 35.19/5). The vast majority of cases were with conductive hearing impairment (n = 2051, 94.73%). Unilateral hearing loss (50.76%) was slightly more than bilateral one. Mild hearing loss has outnumbered (n = 1905, 88%) the other severities.

The prevalence of hearing loss was 25.48%. Hearing loss could affect any age with slight male predominance. The majority of the cases were with conductive type and mild severity.