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Prevalence of hearing loss in primary school children in Zimbabwe
Brian D Westerberg1, Danuta M Skowronski, Irwin F Stewart
1Division of Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Rotary Hearing Clinic, Providence 2, 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6. bwesterberg@providencehealth.bc.ca
Insights
A study in Zimbabwe found that 2.4% of primary school children have significant hearing impairment. This prevalence highlights the need for regular hearing screenings to support children's academic and social development.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hearing impairment significantly impacts children's academic, career, and social development.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating the long-term effects of hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of significant hearing impairment in primary school children in Zimbabwe.
- To provide data for targeted hearing health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe.
- 5,528 primary school students were screened for hearing impairment (defined as >30 dB HL at 1, 2, and 4 kHz).
- Screening was part of The Rotary Hearing Health Care Program.
Main Results:
- Overall, 2.4% (135 students) had significant hearing impairment.
- Conductive hearing loss was identified in 1.4% and sensorineural hearing loss in 1.0% of students.
- Disabling hearing impairment was found in 0.9% of the screened children.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of hearing impairment among Zimbabwean schoolchildren is significant.
- Regular hearing screenings are essential for early detection and intervention.
- Addressing hearing impairment can improve children's social interaction, academic achievement, and future opportunities.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of significant hearing impairment in children attending primary school in the country of Zimbabwe.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of hearing impairment in primary school children was undertaken as part of The Rotary Hearing Health Care Program in Zimbabwe. The sampling unit was primary schools in Manicaland, a province of Zimbabwe. All students in selected schools were screened. In total, 5528 students were screened for significant hearing impairment defined as greater than 30 dB HL at 1, 2 and 4 kHz in a quiet classroom.
Results:
Overall, 135 students (2.4%, 95% CI 2.0-2.8) were identified as having a hearing threshold of greater than 30 dB in at least one ear and for at least one of the test frequencies. A conductive hearing loss was found in 79 students, or 1.4% of the total, and a sensorineural hearing loss was found in 56 students or 1.0% of the total. Disabling hearing impairment was found in 0.9% of children.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of hearing impairment in children in Zimbabwe is significant, even as a conservative measure amongst children attending school. Hearing impairment challenges the academic, career and social potential of young children. Regular screening, such as this could help target preventative measures that may improve the hearing impaired child's potential in terms of social interaction, academic achievement, and work opportunities.
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