Snakebite-associated audiological sequelae: Rethinking care pathways in African health systems

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tropical Medicine
• Audiology

Background:

• Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with management focused on survival, neglecting auditory and vestibular sequelae.
• Hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction are emerging concerns in snakebite survivors, particularly in African health systems.
• Current rehabilitation pathways rarely address these audiological outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a public health perspective on hearing healthcare integration in snakebite management.
• To examine potential mechanisms of snakebite-associated audiological dysfunction.
• To identify research and care gaps in sub-Saharan Africa.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on snakebite sequelae and hearing healthcare.
• Conceptual analysis of public health and implementation considerations.
• Examination of surveillance, research, and post-acute care within African contexts.

Main Results:

• Snakebite survivors may experience hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction, though underexplored in Africa.
• Significant gaps exist in surveillance, research, and post-acute care for these sequelae in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Existing snakebite management frameworks lack integration of audiological screening and rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Integrating task-shifted, technology-supported audiological screening and rehabilitation into snakebite care is proposed.
• Strengthening surveillance and incorporating functional outcomes into NTD strategies can improve disability prevention.
• Enhanced post-snakebite care frameworks are needed to address auditory and vestibular sequelae in African health systems.