Deafness in children--an analysis.

This study was conducted at the Government Deaf and Dumb School, Thanjavur to ascertain the possible etiological factors. The social outlook of the parents of these children was analysed. Boys were more often affected (60.2%). Consanguinity was observed in 65.4% parents; 23.1% had one or more affected sibling and 14.1% had affected relatives. Parents detected the hearing disability in their children between 3-6 months of age in about 79% cases. Syphilis and chickenpox were the common antenatal associated infections. Streptomycin, chloroquine and abortificients were used during early pregnancy. Eight were preterm and 9 were asphyxiated at birth. A total of 11.5% had purulent ear discharge, and 2 had ear injury. Parents were committed to help the children to be self dependent.