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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Spectrum and Burden of Otologic Disorders in a Geriatric Nigerian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors: Eustace Oseghale; Immaculata Ogechi Akpalaba; Bodeno Ehis;

The Spectrum and Burden of Otologic Disorders in a Geriatric Nigerian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The global population is aging, leading to an increased prevalence of age-related health conditions, including otologic disorders. Objective: To determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated characteristics of otologic disorders in a geriatric population in Southern Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (December 2024-June 2025) at the General Practice Clinic. A total of 423 consecutive patients aged 60 years or more were enrolled. Data were collected with the aid of a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, otoscopic examination, and comprehensive audiological evaluation (pure tone and impedance audiometry). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27. Results: The mean age was 67.52 ± 7.28 years, with a female predominance of 274 (64.8%). The overall prevalence of otologic disorders was 228 (53.9%). Hearing impairment was the most prevalent disorder, reported in 214 (50.6%) participants, predominantly sensorineural in type. Cerumen auris was observed in 155 (36.6%), followed by tinnitus in 137 (32.4%). Impedance audiometry revealed normal tympanograms in 238 (56.3%) and 242 (57.2%) of the right and left ears, respectively. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, affecting 227 (53.7%) participants, 406 (96.0%). Conclusion: There is a high burden of otologic disorders, particularly hearing loss and cerumen impaction, among geriatric patients in Southern Nigeria. The widespread use of unsafe ear cleaning practices is a major public health concern. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated routine ear screening and targeted patient education on safe aural hygiene as a standard component of geriatric care in this setting.

Keywords

Otologic disorders, Hearing loss, Noise exposure, Ototoxicity, Tinnitus.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
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