Prevalencia de hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral en población militar en servicio pasivo atendidos en el Hospital Naval de Guayaquil en el periodo 2018-2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is an auditory condition characterized by sensory loss in both ears due to damage to the hair cells of the inner ear or the auditory pathways, causing significant problems for the quality of life and functioning of affected individuals. Objective: To determine the prevalence of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in military personnel in passive service treated at the Naval Hospital of Guayaquil during the period 2018-2022. Methodology: A descriptive, observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study, including 168 cases. Results: The prevalence of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in military personnel in passive service treated at the otolaryngology department was 13.03%. Among these cases, 38.9% had moderate hearing loss, followed by mild hearing loss at 28.7%, and finally, 17.3% and 14.9% for severe and profound hearing loss, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis of the relationship between cases by age group and degree of hearing loss determined that in the group of patients under 64 years old, mild hearing loss predominated at 8.38%, while in the age group over 65 years of age, moderate hearing loss was predominant at 31.74%. Conclusion: The prevalence results reveal a significant percentage of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, estimated at 13.03%, among patients treated by the otolaryngology department of the Naval Hospital of Guayaquil during the period from January 2018 to December 2022. These findings underscore the importance of surveillance and early diagnosis of this auditory condition in the military population in passive service, highlighting the need for auditory care and rehabilitation strategies to improve the quality of life for those affected.