Febrile illness a major cause of profound childhood deafness in Nigeria.

A prospective study of 63 children with profound deafness seen personally at the E.N.T. Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu between January, 1984 and October, 1987 is the subject of this paper. There were 35 males and 28 females. Thirty-six (57.1%) were in the age group, 0-3 years, 17 (27%) in the age group 4-6 years, 7 (11.1%) in the age group 7-10, and 3 (4.8%) over 11 years. Febrile illness 41.3% was the most common cause followed by unknown with about 20.6%. The various causes were compared with causes from other parts of the world. The possible causes of the febrile illness with special emphasis on the role of viral infections and malaria are highlighted. Mention is made of possible preventive measures.