OBJECTIVE: Examining the etiological profile in relation to audiology among the users of an Auditory Health Care Service in the municipality of Belo Horizonte. CASE REPORT: A retrospective descriptive study was performed based on the records of a digital database at a High-Complexity Auditory Health Care Service in the municipality of Belo Horizonte. Data referring to the age, gender, International Classification of Diseases status, and the probable etiology of the hearing disability (as described in the authorization for high-cost procedures) were analyzed. Only patients seen from August to December 2012 were included in the study. Of the 177 records analyzed, 54% belonged to male subjects. The average age of the population studied was 67 years. The probable etiology most encountered was of unknown origin (98%), followed by a genetic, idiopathic, and traumatic brain injury etiologies. With regard to the International Classification of Diseases status, we observed a predominance of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (92%).CONCLUSIONS: In this patient population, hearing loss was most commonly characterized as bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The records typically offered little information regarding the specific etiology of the hearing disability. Further research to elucidate the etiological profile of an individual's hearing deficiencies will foster more specific and individualized intervention.
