COVID-19 and democratic resilience.

The COVID-19 experience has sharpened debates about democracy's future worldwide. In reflecting on these debates, this paper does three things. First, it assesses how resilient democracy has been in the COVID-19 emergency.

Evaluating the inclusion of tympanometry in population-based surveys of hearing loss.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the implications of including tympanometry in the Rapid Assessment of Hearing Loss survey protocol. A comparative study design was employed, with findings from otoscopy compared with the results of tympanometry.

Method: A population-based survey of the prevalence and causes of hearing loss among adults aged over 35 years in The Gambia was conducted.

How chronic ear disease affects quality of life: a qualitative research study in Nepal.

Objective: Hearing loss is the third leading cause globally for 'years lived with disability'. The majority of those affected live in low and middle-income countries.

Method: This study used qualitative research methods to explore the impact of chronic ear disease on quality of life in Nepal.

Disability from chronic ear disease in Nepal assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 instrument.

Objective: Globally, South Asia has the highest proportion of disabling hearing loss. There is a paucity of data exploring the associated hearing loss and disability caused by chronic middle-ear disease in South Asia in the setting of surgical outreach. This study aimed to measure disability using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.

Screening for vestibular schwannoma in the context of an ageing population.

Objective: To review the literature regarding screening for vestibular schwannoma in the context of demographic changes leading to increasing numbers of elderly patients presenting with asymmetric auditory symptoms.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed, with narrative synthesis and statistical analysis of data where appropriate.

Results: Vestibular schwannomas diagnosed in patients aged over 70 years exhibit slower growth patterns and tend to be of smaller size compared to those tumours in younger age groups.