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

Population-based otoscopic and audiometric assessment of a birth cohort recruited for a pneumococcal vaccine trial 15-18 years earlier: a protocol

INTRODUCTION

A cohort of 12 000 children in the Philippines who had enrolled in a 2000-2004 (current ages 16 to 20 years) Phase 3 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for the prevention of radiographically confirmed pneumonia are now being asked to participate in a separate study (expected completion date September 2021) to assess the cohort's current long-term audiometric and otologic status. This new study would allow assessments of the utility of the pneumococcal vaccine in conferring its protective effects on the long-term sequelae of otitis media (OM), if any. Lack of trained local healthcare providers in otolaryngology/audiology and testing equipment in Bohol, Philippines, necessitates the development of a distinct methodology that would lead to meaningful data analysis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Reliable data collection and transfer are achieved by a US otolaryngologist/audiologist team training local nurses on all procedures in a didactic and hands-on process. An assortment of portable otolaryngologic and audiologic equipment suitable for field testing has been acquired, including an operating otoscope (Welch-Allyn), a video-otoscope (JedMed), a tympanometer with distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements (Path Sentiero) and a screening audiometer (HearScreen). Data will then be uploaded to a Research Electronic Data Capture database in the USA.Tympanometric and audiologic data will be codified through separate conventional algorithms. A team of paediatric otolaryngology advanced practice providers (APPs) have been trained and validated in interpreting video otoscopy. The protocol for classification of diagnostic outcome variables based on video otoscopy and tympanometry has been developed and is being used by APPs to evaluate all otoscopy data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Alabang, Manila, Philippines, and the institutional review board and the Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.Research results will be made available to children and their caregivers with abnormal audiologic outcomes, the funders and other researchers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN 62323832; Post-results.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss, and Middle Ear Disease in 1351 School Age Children in Mekelle, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to begin to measure the prevalence of elevated hearing thresholds in Ethiopia, with audiometric equipment, including bone oscillators and tympanometers. To that end Ethiopian nationals were trained in audiometric techniques to obtain sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and conductive hearing loss (CHL) rates in school age children.

METHODS

Five mainstreamed public grade schools in northern Ethiopia were the sites for audiometry campaigns examining 1351 children and testing them with behavioral audiometry.

RESULTS

Seven percent of students had SNHL > 20 dB in at least 1 frequency in at least 1 ear, and 0.6% of ears had SNHL > 50 dB. Eighteen percent8% of students had CHL > 20 dB in 1 or both ears. The frequency with the highest incidence of elevated pure tone thresholds was at 8000 Hz. Seven percent of students had an air bone gap at 2000 and/or 4000 Hz of at least 15 dB. Air bone gap is not obtained at 8000 Hz. There were 22 perforated tympanic membranes in 17 children (0.8% of tympanic membranes, 1% of students).

CONCLUSION

This study gives a baseline for the prevalence of hearing loss in school age children in mainstreamed northern Ethiopian schools. It is the first of its kind and perhaps can help in estimated hearing health needs there.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Audiological assessment of children with HIV/AIDS: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of the audiological evaluation of children with HIV and AIDS.

DATA COLLECTION

Systematic review carried out in May 2019 in the Web of Science, PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus databases. Case reports and original articles were included, with no limitationsregarding country or year of publication.

DATA SYNTHESIS

278 articles were identified; 26 were included, in which HIV/AIDS was shown to be a risk factor for hearing loss (OR=5.364; p=0.00). The studies used different audiological exams, with varying methodologies. There was no difference regarding the type of hearing loss (p=0.119).

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal studies using the same type of examination at all stages are suggested, to allow better monitoring of the effects of HIV on the child's hearing,and studies that provide more methodological details. The knowledge of the influence of HIV on the child's auditory system may lead to the promotion of measures that minimize the prevalence of hearing loss, allow an early diagnosis and timely rehabilitation, so as not to compromise child development.

Nature and extent of hearing loss in HIV-infected children: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has had a major impact on life expectancy from HIV as many people now live with it as a chronic disease. Chronic HIV has been associated with a range of comorbid disabilities and health conditions, one of which is hearing loss. Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss, particularly in children, has been linked to poorer spoken language skills, with subsequent effects on academic performance.

METHODS

This systematic scoping review aimed to summarize the available peer-reviewed literature on hearing loss in HIV-infected children, specifically to describe its extent and nature. The review followed the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Key search terms included hearing loss (and synonyms), child (and synonyms), and HIV. Electronic databases (EBSCOhost Research Platform, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases) were searched for any relevant articles published from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2019. Reference lists of included articles were pearled for additional relevant articles not already identified. Each stage of the selection process was conducted independently by two authors. The results were then collated by a third author who also resolved any discrepancies. Extracted data included sample descriptors, audiologic tests, hearing loss prevalence, hearing loss descripts, and factors associated with hearing loss.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles were included; 10 from Africa, four from South America, two from North America and the remaining article from Asia. Although most of the articles reported on pure tone audiometry, the samples as well as the cut-off criteria for normal hearing were heterogenous. Prevalence of hearing loss varied across articles (from 6% to 84%). Conductive hearing loss occurred more frequently than sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. ART use and ear infection were reported as significant in three of five articles that reported on significant associates of HIV-related hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

There was a modest volume of research from a limited number of countries. Heterogeneity in sampling and audiometric methods precluded a clear understanding of potential associations between chronic HIV-related hearing loss and contributing factors.

Panel 6: Otitis media and associated hearing loss among disadvantaged populations and low to middle-income countries

OBJECTIVE:

Summarise the published evidence on otitis media and associated hearing loss in low to middle-income countries (LMIC) and disadvantaged populations.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed and other databases.

REVIEW METHODS:

Firstly, sensitive search strategy using ‘otitis media’, combined with specific key words for each topic of the review, from January 2015 to June 2019. Then, restriction to LMIC and disadvantaged populations. Topics covered included prevention, epidemiology, risk factors, microbiology, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was a high degree of methodological heterogeneity and high risk of bias. The majority of studies were school-based. In Africa, Asia and Oceania (e.g., Australian Aboriginal populations) the prevalence of OM was respectively 8% (range 3–16%), 14% (range 7–22%) and 50% (4–95%). Prevalence of any hearing loss in these regions was 12% (range 8–17%), 12% (range 3–24%), and 26% (range 25–28%) respectively. Risk factors in LMIC and disadvantaged populations included age, gender, exposure to smoke and pollution. Microbiology was reported for otitis media with effusion at time of surgery or ear discharge (acute otitis media with perforation or chronic suppurative otitis media). Specimen handling and processing in hospital laboratories was associated with low detection of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Case series described complicated cases of OM due to M. tuberculosis, multidrug resistance and HIV. QOL studies identified discrimination of persons with OM and hearing loss. Diagnostic methods varied greatly, from naked eye to tympanometry. Treatment interventions were reported from four RCTs. Non-RCTs included evaluations of guidelines, surgery outcomes, access to ENTs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis media with effusion and conductive hearing loss are common in LMIC and disadvantaged populations. Paucity of research, poor regional representation, non-standardised methods and low-quality reporting preclude accurate assessment of disease burden in LMIC and disadvantaged populations. Awareness and adherence to reporting Guidelines should be promoted.

Large-scale otoscopic and audiometric population assessment: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Large-scale otoscopic and audiometric assessment of populations is difficult due to logistic impracticalities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We report a novel assessment methodology based on training local field workers, advances in audiometric testing equipment and cloud-based technology.

METHODS

Prospective observational study in Bohol, Philippines. A U.S. otolaryngologist/audiologist team trained 5 local nurses on all procedures in a didactic and hands-on process. An operating otoscope (Welch-Allyn^R) was used to clear cerumen and view the tympanic membrane, images of which were recorded using a video otoscope (JedMed^R). Subjects underwent tympanometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) (Path Sentiero^R), and underwent screening audiometry using noise cancelling headphones and a handheld Android device (HearScreen^R). Sound-booth audiometry was reserved for failed subjects. Data were uploaded to a REDCap database. Teenage children previously enrolled in a 2000-2004 Phase 3 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine trial, were the subjects of the trainees.

RESULTS

During 4 days of training, 47 Filipino children (M/F = 28/19; mean/median age = 14.6/14.6 years) were the subjects of the trainee nurses. After the training, all nurses could perform all procedures independently. Otoscopic findings by ears included: normal (N = 77), otitis media with effusion (N = 2), myringosclerosis (N = 5), healed perforation (N = 6), perforation (N = 2) and retraction pocket/cholesteatoma (N = 2). Abnormal audiometric findings included: tympanogram (N = 4), DPOAE (N = 4) and screening audiometry (N = 0).

CONCLUSION

Training of local nurses has been shown to be robust and this methodology overcomes challenges of distant large-scale population otologic/audiometric assessment.

HIV Positivity per se Does Not Affect Tympanoplasty Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The English language literature finds no clear protocols for otologic surgery for HIV+ patients.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that simple tympanoplasty and type III tympanoplasty in HIV+ patients with CD4 >400 cells/cc results in tympanic membrane closures and hearing improvements equivalent to the same procedures in controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective review documents the otologic conditions and operative results of 32 HIV+ patients and 32 controls. The controls were healthy and had no opportunistic infections or other medications.

RESULTS

Genders, ages, sizes of tympanic membrane perforations, severity of air bone gaps, and type of operation were equivalent between the HIV+ and the control groups. Thirty of 32 patients in each group had closure of their perforations after 1 operation. Air bone gaps improved significantly for each group ( P = .001): 22 dB (SD = 11 dB) in the HIV+ group and 26 dB (SD = 10 dB) in the control group. And there was no statistically significant difference in change in hearing between the 2 groups. There were no complications of infection, wound dehiscence, worsened sensorineural levels, dizziness, or facial weakness in either group.

CONCLUSION

HIV+ patients whose CD4 counts are above 400 cells/cc can undergo simple tympanoplasty or type III tympanoplasty with acceptable outcomes.

High Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Otitis Media-Associated Bacterial Flora of Asymptomatic People Living with HIV at Morogoro Hospital, Tanzania

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of otitis media (OM)-associated bacterial flora of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and assess antibiotic resistance profiles of the bacteria.

METHODOLOGY

Ear secretion specimens were collected by syringe or cotton swabs. Isolated bacteria were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity tests.

RESULTS

Of 290 recruited PLH, 81.7% were females and 18.3% males; their CD4+ counts ranged from 0 to 1770. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli were the predominant bacteria. High antibiotic resistance was detected on Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The prevalence rate of OM-associated bacteria (OAB) was 93.4%, and majority of the bacteria were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Linear association between the prevalence of OAB with both duration of ART and CD4+ counts was observed.

CONCLUSION

High prevalence rates of OAB and antibiotic resistance were observed. Negative correlation between CD4+ counts and prevalence of OAB was revealed.