Prevalence of Ear Disease and Associated Hearing Loss Among Government Rural Primary School Students in Patiala, Punjab: A Cross Sectional Survey.

Ear disease in children are a major public health problem in developing countries and if left untreated, it may result in various social and psychological problems for affected children. Among all ear diseases, ear infections are a common but treatable cause of morbidity in children. Long term consequences of persistent severe ear infection can result in speech development disorders, poor academic and educational development and overall lower quality of life. Most of ear diseases leading to hearing loss are preventable if diagnosed and treated early. A cross sectional study was conducted in Government Rural Primary School students, 2160 students in Patiala district of Punjab state in India with aim to study the prevalence of ear disease and associated hearing loss in students and their relationship with socioeconomic status. The data was collected, compiled and analysed statistically.

Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Tertiary Care Institute Experience in India.

COVID-19 epidemic has varied spectrum of symptoms. With this study we aim to evaluate prevalence of Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. To assess Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients in Indian Population. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study. RT-PCR proven COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study. Detailed history and olfactory function and Taste function were evaluated. Patient with symptoms of olfactory dysfunction were subjected to fill (sQOD-NS questionnaire). Re-evaluation was done weekly till the time of discharge. Analysis was done with Wilcoxon test with help of SPSS software. A total of 152 patients (Male-78, Female-74) completed the study after weekly evaluation. Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction was seen in 28 (18.41%) and 20 (13.15%). Mean duration of symptoms was 2.4444 ± 0.352 days. Olfactory dysfunction was the first presenting symptom in 11 out of 152 patients (7.23%). Mean QD-NOS score in patients with Anosmia and Hyposmia (28 patients) was 11.4 ± 2.01 and 13.61 ± 2.82 at 1st evaluation, 20.3 ± 1.49 and 20.33 ± 1.57 at 7th day and 21 in both subgroups at 14th day follow up. Dysgeusia was noticed in 20/152 patients (13.15%). Recovery in olfactory dysfunction and Dysgeusia was complete in all patients. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are significant part of clinical spectrum of COVID-19 disease In Indian Population.