EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND MAGNITUDE OF ECONOMIC BURDEN OF EAR WAX IN KASHMIR.

Dr. Waseem Qadir*, Dr. Omar Shafi, Dr. Manzoor Malik and Dr. Sajad M. Qazi

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ear wax impaction is a common condition worldwide with varied presentations. This study is aimed to document the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and magnitude of economic burden in Kashmir, a subtropical region with harsh winter. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of hospital records of ear wax clearance for a period of two years was done to note the prevalence, and demographic profile of patients presenting with ear wax. A prospective analysis was done on 240 serial patients to note the presenting complaint, duration of symptoms, and type of wax, laterality, and history of any predisposing factors. Complete ear examination was done and findings were documented in a premade proforma. The cost incurred in clearing the ear wax was calculated. Results: Out of 1,80,000 patients visiting OPD for a period of 2 years, a total of 12473 patients underwent clearance of ear wax. A prevalence of 6.5% was found. The ages ranged from 5 to 90 years. The highest number of patients affected were in the age group of 21 to 40 years amounting to 1546(49.40%) followed by 3769 patients (39%) from 41 to 60 years. The number of patients differed over different months. The average number of patients seen from March to August was significantly higher than from September to February. The average per annum cost of managing ear wax impaction amounted to 3816,000 Rupees ($56955). On prospectively analyzing 240 patients of different age groups, 45.41% patients described their presenting symptoms as fullness of ear(s), 30.83% patients complained of otalgia and 22.5% of patients complained of decreased hearing. Of the 187 patients with a unilateral symptoms, 108 (57.75%) had bilateral impacted ear wax. The most common predisposing factors identified was rinsing with soap in 98 followed by ear bud usage in 80 patients. Conclusion: Ear wax is a fairly common condition that can be diagnosed and managed by general practioners. Ear buds remain a preventable predisposing factor.

Keywords: Ear wax, burden, Kashmir.