The relationship between chronic otitis media-induced hearing loss and the acquisition of social skills.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of hearing loss caused by chronic otitis media (COM) on acquiring social skills. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study of 90 patients, including patients with COM, age range 15-30 years, was conducted in the otorhinolaryngology ward of Tabriz University Hospital. Social skills were assessed with a social skills questionnaire. RESULTS: Social skill scores were found to be lower in hearing-impaired COM patients compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Social skill disabilities in patients with bilateral COM were more severe than in patients with unilateral COM and the controls (P < 0.001). Correlation between social skills score and degree of hearing loss was significantly negative (P = 0.014, rho = -0.314). These data indicate an inverse relationship between hearing loss and social skills. CONCLUSION: Social skills and educational level of COM patients are affected because of hearing impairment. This study suggests that COM has effects on social development and education.