Field-testing of a rapid survey method to assess the prevalence and causes of hearing loss in Gao'an, Jiangxi province, China.

Background: The Rapid Assessment of Hearing Loss (RAHL) survey protocol aims to measure the prevalence and causes of hearing loss in a low cost and rapid manner, to inform planning of ear and hearing services. This paper reports on the first field-test of the RAHL in Gao'an County, Jiangxi Province, China. This study aimed to 1) To report on the feasibility of RAHL; 2) report on the estimated prevalence and causes of hearing loss in Gao'an.

Diagnostic accuracy of non-specialist versus specialist health workers in diagnosing hearing loss and ear disease in Malawi.

Objective: To determine whether a non-specialist health worker can accurately undertake audiometry and otoscopy, the essential clinical examinations in a survey of hearing loss, instead of a highly skilled specialist (i.e. ENT or audiologist).

Prevalence of chronic ear disease among HIV+ children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of chronic ear disease in HIV+, highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART)-treated children and compare this to the prevalence in healthy children of similar age living in a similar setting.

Introduction: From previous clinical work in Ethiopia, we suspected that chronic middle ear disease was common both in the general pediatric population and especially among children with HIV/AIDS. Few studies have examined the prevalence of chronic ear disease in HIV + children, particularly in those treated with HAART.

Is hearing impairment associated with HIV? A systematic review of data from low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives: To systematically review evidence on the prevalence and characteristics of hearing impairment among children and adults living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Methods: Articles were identified up to January 2016 through searching four electronic databases. Epidemiological studies conducted in LMIC that explored the association between HIV status and hearing loss, with or without an HIV-uninfected comparison group, were eligible for inclusion.

Prevalence of hearing-loss among HAART-treated children in the Horn of Africa.

Objectives: The prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in children infected with HIV/AIDS is not well studied. Even fewer studies focus on stable HIV-infected children treated with high-effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We aim to compare the prevalence of ear disease and HL in HAART-treated, HIV + children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a well, similarly-aged elementary school population with unknown HIV status (HIVU).