Management of conductive deafness of non-suppurative aetiology in Nigeria.

A review of 39 cases of deafness of non-suppurative aetiology seen in the Department of Otolaryngology of the University College Hospital, Ibadan between 1966 and 1971 is presented. Deafness of this type is not as common as deafness of suppurative origin but it presents problems of its own. First there is the inability of many patients to give accurate histories and describe actual sensation in the ear. Secondly, there is the problem created by patients not turning up for regular follow up. Thirdly, there is the problem of unavailability of necessary equipment such as that highlighted by the use of straight polythene tubes instead of the shaped grommet in the management of serous otitis media and the non-availability of prosthesis to replace the stapes when stapedectomy may have helped the patients. Suggestions are also offered on the ways of improving the treatment of the patients.