Evaluation of the Frequency and Type of Damages to the Ears, Nose and Throat in Patients Referring from Forensic Medical Centers to Ayatollah Rohani Hospital in Babol, Iran in 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Currently, trauma is regarded as one of the most serious problems in societies, resulting in irreversible damages and injuries in individuals. Trauma as a result of assault, injury or accident is of grave significance, especially in developing countries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and type of injuries to the ears, nose, and throat in patients referring from forensic medical centers to Ayatollah Rohani Hospital in Babol, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients referring from Babol forensic medical centers were examined by an otolaryngologist in 2013. In this study, the cause and type of damages, as well as demographic characteristics, were collected and recorded in a checklist. FINDINGS: In total, 238 cases were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 35.40±11.58 years. The majority of subjects were within the age range of 18-44 years. Ear damage was one of the common complaints in 146 subjects (61.34%). Overall, 94 cases (39.5%) had left ear injuries, 35 cases (14.7%) had right ear injuries and 17 cases had experienced damages to both ears. Dispute and assault were the major causes of hospital admission in 158 patients. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the highest incidence of trauma was reported in young individuals because of dispute and assault. Therefore, the dispute and assault are decreased in youths by preventing the effective agents.