Association between sensorineural hearing loss and weather conditions: an analytic case series in two hospitals at Kinshasa

Abstract

Context and objective. Despite the fact that weather conditions have been indirectly implicated in hearing loss, data on this observation are paradoxically non-existent in sub-Saharan African Countries. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to determine the degree of hearing loss and highlight the associated factors to sensorineural hearing loss in relation to weather conditions. Methods. This was an analytical series of cases of patients whose hearing loss occured during weather changes and who sought care at the Kinshasa University Hospital and Bondeko villages between March 2023 and February 2024. The interest parameters included clinical, audiometric and weather data. Linear regression analysis investigated the associated factotrs of sensorineural hearing loss. Results. In total, 170 patients were examinated (female, 51,2%; mean age, 42 ± 14 years). Moderate (34,1%) and severe (32,3%) deafness were the most common. The peak of hearing loss was observed during the long dry season. Wind speed was significantly associated with deafness with a peak during the long dry season. Conclusion. The results of the present study suggest that there is a significant association between sensorineural hearing loss and wind speed. Prospective cohort studies should be considered to confirm these results. Received: October 21st, 2024Accepted: April 24th, 2025 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v18i3.4