title: A Survey of Deaf Mutes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Detection of hearing loss at birth or early childhood is difficult. This bears on the rehabilitation of the child as the golden period of learning is lost. Reliable statistics relating the average age for detection of hearing loss and fitting of hearing aids in children are not available in our country. A survey of 52 deaf mutes was therefore conducted to ascertain the probable causes that lead to deafness.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study subjects were 42 deaf mutes from the Government run school for deaf mutes and 10 from ASHA School run by the Army Wives Welfare Association. A questionnaire prepared in Hindi was filled by the parents and data analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of detection of hearing loss was 2.8 years and the average age for receiving a hearing aid was 7.6 years. Thus due to the significant reduction of sensory input at the 'golden period of learning' only 50% of those fitted with a hearing aid found it useful. In 42.3% the cause of deafness could not be identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Greater emphasis is required on early diagnosis of childhood deafness and fitment of hearing aid.
authors.affiliation: Senior Advisor (ENT) Command Hospital (NC), C/o 56APO.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Bhadauria
authors.affiliation: Graded Specialist (ENT) MH Jabalpur-482001.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Pal
keywords: Deaf mutes; Hearing aid