Clinical Findings Associated with Hearing Loss in the Pediatric Age Group of South Jordan

The aim of this study was to provide otoscopic examinations, tympanometric evaluations and pure-tone air screening among a group of children in the south of Jordan to assess the causes for hearing impairment in this particular region. We conducted prospective examinations on 320 pre-selected children aged 2 to 16 years in a clinic setting in Princes Haya Military hospital in Aqaba city south Jordan. Among the study sample, the most prevalent problem was middle ear effusion in at least one ear among 76% of the children. 16 children were found to have untreated sensory neural hearing loss. Hearing problems exist in large proportions, most of which can be medically or surgically treated. Consideration should be given to establish further hearing-screening programs addressed to the pediatric group in south Jordan.