Hearing loss and access to hearing aids and services in low- and middle-income countries

WHO reports that nearly 80% persons with disabling hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and it is estimated that 34 million children have a hearing loss [1]. Furthermore, 60% of hearing loss in children is due to avoidable causes that can be prevented. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and cause of hearing loss among children in primary schools in Tanzania and their access to hearing aids. A cross-sectional study including 1081 primary school children in class II and III was conducted to determine the prevalence of hearing loss, using both self-reporting questions and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) for assessment. Assessment using PTA documents the prevalence of hearing loss to be between 11,5% and 23% depending on the selected hearing threshold. Self-reported hearing loss was reported to be 1%. None of the children with hearing loss had access to hearing aids. The study documents that access to hearing aids and hearing services is limited in semirural and rural area of Tanzania.