Pattern and Causes of Hearing Loss Among Patients Visiting the GMT Clinic in Rawalpindi

Pattern and Causes of Hearing Loss at GMT Clinic

Abstract

An estimated 430 million individuals in the world, with 34 million children, need to have their disabling hearing loss rehabilitated. Objectives: To identify the nature, extent, and etiology of hearing impairments among patients visiting the Global Management Team (GMT) Clinic in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: The cross-sectional study was a quantitative observational study that was carried out between February, 2025 and May, 2025, involving 383 patients having hearing loss. A purposive sampling was used, which was non-probability. The data were gathered with the help of a self-administered questionnaire that was validated with a study involving ten respondents and regular audiological tests, such as pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry, conducted by a qualified audiologist. SPSS version 25.0 was used to conduct the data analysis through cross-tabulations and descriptive statistics. Results: Sensorineural hearing loss ranked highest (71.8%), conductive (14.7%), and mixed hearing loss (10.4%). The majority of patients were severely and profoundly impaired in hearing. The top causes were disease-related conditions (41.2) and presbycusis (31.8), and genetic factors, trauma, and noise exposure were less common. Bilateral and acquired hearing loss was predominant. Conclusions: The clinic is mostly affected by presbycusis and disease-related conditions, which are the major causes of severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The findings highlight the need to diagnose early, screen hearing regularly, and carry out public awareness to enhance prevention and treatment measures.