Author/Authors :
Soleimani Farin نويسنده , Izadi Poopak نويسنده , AZARI Nadia نويسنده Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Daneshmandan Naeimeh نويسنده Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University
of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, IR
Iran , Mahmoudzadeh Tussi Pouya نويسنده Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
Abstract :
Background Otitis media is an important health care problem in
school-age children. Moreover, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, a
major and common cause of otitis media, is increasing among children.
Recurrent otitis media may occur without any noticeable symptoms and
affect the auditory threshold (AT). Only a few decibles increase in
hearing loss does not have the same effect on the hearing ability of
individuals with different degrees of hearing loss. With this background
in mind, in this study, we aimed to determine whether diagnosis and
medical treatment of overlooked recurrent otitis media are associated
with the educational achievement of students with sensorineural hearing
impairment. Methods The present study with a pretest-posttest design was
conducted on 30 students (aged 12 - 20 years) with bilateral
sensorineural hearing impairment, AT above 30 dB HL in the better ear,
and recurrent (2 episodes) middle ear infection over 9 months during
2012 - 2014. The participants were examined regularly and received
medical treatment when indicated. The mean scores of total average,
Persian literature (eg, reading, writing, and spelling), and mathematics
were measured to assess the subjects’ educational achievement. Results
Based on the findings, the total average scores significantly changed
from 16.2 to 17.2. Also, the students’ Persian literature (from 16.8 to
18) and mathematics (from 13.8 to 16.7) scores were significantly
improved. In addition, AT considerably decreased after the medical
intervention (from 73 ± 14.7 to 56.3 ± 13.8 dB HL). Conclusions It seems
that detection and treatment of overlooked middle ear infection in
hearing impaired students, as part of comprehensive health care
services, can improve their AT, diminish their hearing disabilities, and
ameliorate their educational difficulties; consequently, provision of
health care services is associated with better educational achievement.
