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O'Neill S, Begg S, Hyett N, Spelten E. Primary Health Care Interventions for Potentially Preventable Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions in Rural and Remote Areas: A Systematic Review. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024:1455613241245198. [PMID: 38646793 DOI: 10.1177/01455613241245198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background:Primary and secondary level preventive primary health care programs providing early detection and timely management of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in rural and remote regions are fundamental to preventing downstream impacts on health, social, and educational outcomes. However, the range and quality of evidence is yet to be reviewed. Objectives: The study objectives were to identify and synthesize the evidence of primary health care interventions for detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote areas, and evaluate the quality of the research and effectiveness of interventions. Methods: A systematic literature search of 6 databases (February 2023). The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, and the quality appraisal of studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (initial screening questions: Are there clear research questions? Do the collected data allow to address the research questions?). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results describe interventions for detection and management of respiratory tract infections, otitis media, and ear disease in primary health care settings. No studies met the inclusion criteria for tonsillitis. The role of community-based programs and allied health workers in the detection and management of ENT conditions was found to be effective in rural and remote regions. Only 2 of the studies met the screening criteria for quality appraisal. Conclusions: The study findings may inform future programs and policy development to address detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote primary care settings, and supports the need for further research on innovative models of care targeting potentially preventable hospitalizations through primary and secondary level prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan O'Neill
- Department of Community and Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Begg
- Department of Community and Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Nerida Hyett
- Murray Primary Health Network, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Evelien Spelten
- Department of Community and Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
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Nash K, Gwynne K, Dimitropoulos Y, Fitzpatrick M, Gunasekera H, Halvorsen L, Kong K, Lumby N, Macniven R, Parter C, Wingett A, McMahon C. INdigenous Systems and Policies Improved and Reimagined for Ear and hearing care (INSPIRE): a multi-method study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079850. [PMID: 38199621 PMCID: PMC10806583 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Otitis media (middle ear disease) severity and chronicity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as gaps in socioeconomic outcomes related to hearing loss, indicates a breakdown in the current ear and hearing care system. The ear and hearing care system spans multiple sectors due to long-term impacts of otitis media and hearing loss in health, education and employment, necessitating a multi-disciplinary cross-sectorial approach to ear and hearing care. Public policies shape the current ear and hearing care system and here it is argued that a critical public policy analysis across different sectors is needed, with strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and guidance. The current study aims to establish consensus-based ear and hearing care policy solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This multi-method study will be guided by a Brains Trust with strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. Public policies in hearing health, social services, and education will be scoped to identify policy gaps, using the World Health Organization framework. Qualitative data will be collected through a culturally specific process of yarning circles to identify policy challenges and/or limitations in enabling accessible ear and hearing care programs/services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, using dimensions of Morestin's public policy appraisal tool as an interview guide for stakeholders. Themes from the yarning circles will be used to inform an expert Delphi process to establish consensus-based policy solutions for optimising the ear and hearing care system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has approval from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Ethics Committee. Study findings will be disseminated to community through Brains Trust members and study participants, as well as through publications in peer-reviewed journals and research forum presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Nash
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylie Gwynne
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yvonne Dimitropoulos
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Fitzpatrick
- Telethon Speech and Hearing, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Luke Halvorsen
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelvin Kong
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Noeleen Lumby
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rona Macniven
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carmen Parter
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Wingett
- College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Catherine McMahon
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Lopes AA, Friche AADL, Lemos SMA, Bicalho L, Silva AMM, dos Santos TS, Oliveira RCCD, Avan P, Carvalho SADS. Prevalence of hearing loss and health vulnerability in children aged 25 to 36 months: an analysis of spatial distribution. Codas 2023; 35:e20210189. [PMID: 38055408 PMCID: PMC10723582 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20232021189pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the association between hearing loss and health vulnerability in children aged 25 to 36 months. METHODS Analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted through child hearing screening in nine day-care centers. The screening consisted of anamnesis, otoscopy, tympanometry, transient otoacoustic emissions, and pure tone audiometry. For each exam performed, the 'pass' and 'fail' criteria were established. The children's residential addresses were georeferenced and a choropleth map of the spatial distribution was built, considering the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI). The analysis of the association between the HVI and the variables sex, auditory assessment, and region area of the household was performed using Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. RESULTS Ninety-five children of both sexes were evaluated, of which 44.7% presented alterations in at least one of the exams performed, being referred for otorhinolaryngological evaluation and subsequent auditory assessment. Of the observed changes, 36.9% occurred in the tympanometry and 7.8% in the transient otoacoustic emissions. Among children referred for reassessment, 9.7% were diagnosed with conductive hearing loss, 13.6% results within normal limits and 21.4% did not attend for assessment. Of the children who presented the final diagnosis of conductive hearing loss (9.7%), 1.9% were classified as low-risk HVI and 6.8% as medium-risk HVI. There was statistical significance between HVI and the child's place of residence. CONCLUSION The association between hearing loss and HIV was not statistically significant; however, it was possible to observe that 77.7% of the children with hearing loss resided in sectors with medium- risk HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Aparecida Lopes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | - Amélia Augusta de Lima Friche
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | - Stela Maris Aguiar Lemos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | - Lorena Bicalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | - Artur Marins Moreto Silva
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | - Thamara Suzi dos Santos
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | | | - Paul Avan
- Laboratoire de Biophysique Neurosensorielle, Université Clermont-Auvergne, France.
- Institut de l'Audition de l'Institut Pasteur - INSERM - Paris, France.
| | - Sirley Alves da Silva Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
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Mehrez RN, Mohsen SM. Study of the Effect of Minimal Sensorineural Hearing Loss on the Central Auditory Processing in Children: A Pilot Study. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 75:2781-2785. [PMID: 37974727 PMCID: PMC10645920 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is a main cause of poor auditory, academic, and social performance especially in children. This study aimed to find out the relationship between minimal hearing loss (sensorineural or conductive) and the central auditory processing disorders in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the probability of having central auditory processing disorder in 159 children diagnosed with minimal sensorineural hearing loss and hearing loss caused by otitis media with effusion aged (6-7 years old) in 4 primary schools in Damascus Syria, and 155 children with normal hearing of the same age group using the children's auditory performance scale (C.H.A.P.S). A remarkable statistical difference was found between the two groups with higher scores of C.H.A.P.S scale in the minimal hearing loss group (P value = 0.000 < 0.05). The difference involved all the sub-scales of the C.H.A.P.S scale, which indicates that minimal hearing loss in children can be considered as one important predisposing factor for central auditory processing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodaina Nawaf Mehrez
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Damascus University, Qudsayya Sub., Damascus, Syria
| | - Samer Mohamad Mohsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Damascus University, Al-Assad Sub., Damascus, Syria
- Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Damascus University, Al-Assad Sub., Damascus, Syria
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Khalsa IK, Chan DK. Hearing Impairment and School Engagement Outcomes in US Children. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:1091-1100. [PMID: 37707806 PMCID: PMC10502698 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.2897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Importance Ensuring appropriate school engagement for deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) children in the US is important for improving their long-term outcomes as they grow into adults. Objective To examine the associations between hearing loss (HL), its sequelae (speech and/or language disorders, behavioral and/or conduct problems, and neuropsychiatric and/or learning disorders), and various school engagement measures among school-aged children in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study combined data from the nationally representative 2016-2021 National Survey of Children's Health. A total of 155 178 randomly selected children (weighted, approximately 49 340 700 children) aged 6 to 17 years with a parent or caregiver who responded to an address-based survey by mail or online were included. All analyses were weighted to account for the probability of selection and nonresponse and to reflect population-based estimates representative of all noninstitutionalized school-aged US children and adolescents residing in housing units. Main Outcomes and Measures Diverse school engagement measures, including extracurricular participation in sports, clubs, paid work, volunteer work, and organized lessons, as well as educational performance variables, including missed school days, not caring about doing well in school, not doing required homework, grade repetition, and parent or guardian contacted by school. Results Of the estimated 49 340 700 children aged 6 to 17 years (41.1% aged 6-10 years; 51.1% male; 54.7% without underrepresented minority status), an estimated 1.4% (95% CI, 1.2%-1.5%) were reported by their parent or guardian to have deafness or hearing problems. Having DHH status was associated with significantly worse outcomes on 8 of 10 school engagement measures (eg, participation in sports: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.75 [95% CI, 0.60-0.93]; missed school days: AOR, 2.98 [95% CI, 2.21-4.00]), even after adjustment for age, sex, underrepresented minority status, highest educational level of parent or guardian, federal poverty level of the household, and primary language in the household. Moreover, although subgroup analyses of DHH children with and without HL sequelae revealed significant differences (speech and/or language disorder: AOR, 5.83 [95% CI, 4.31-7.89]; behavioral and/or conduct problem: AOR, 2.75 [95% CI, 2.10-3.60]; neuropsychiatric and/or learning disorder: AOR, 3.06 [95% CI, 2.39-3.91]), HL sequelae only partially mediated the associations between these disparities. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, DHH status itself may have been the primary factor directly associated with school engagement disparities. These findings suggest the need for greater emphasis on educational accommodations and support for hearing status itself, independent of the presence or absence of HL sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dylan K Chan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
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Marino R, Eager K, Kuthubutheen J, Kadhim L, Távora-Vieira D. Results of a Novel, Nonsurgical Bone-Conduction Hearing Aid for the Treatment of Conductive Hearing Loss in Australian Children. Otol Neurotol 2023; 44:853-859. [PMID: 37621119 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine and compare the benefits a novel adhesive bone-conduction system and a conventional bone-conduction hearing aid (BCHA) on a softband for children with conductive hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, single-subject randomized, crossover trial. SETTING Tertiary referral center in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Eight children aged from 4 to 17 years with conductive hearing loss. INTERVENTION Rehabilitative with participants using the novel adhesive bone-conduction aid and a BCHA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Aided thresholds, as well as speech perception in quiet, unaided and aided with the novel adhesive bone-conduction aid and BCHA on a softband. For the six older children, speech in noise testing was also conducted. RESULTS The mean unaided four frequency average hearing levels was 48 dB HL for air conduction, 10.5 dB HL for bone conduction, with a mean air-bone gap in the aided ear of 37.5 dB HL.Four-frequency average hearing level aided thresholds were 20.2 dB for the novel device and 19.8 dB for the BCHA, with no significant difference between the devices. Aided monosyllabic word scores improved from an average of 45% in the unaided condition to 81.6 and 85% for the novel adhesive and BCHA devices, respectively. Aided speech in noise performance improved, on average, by 1.6 dB SNR when wearing the BCHA and the novel adhesive device, with no significant difference in performance between the two devices. CONCLUSIONS The novel device provided equivalent performance to the BCHA on all measures and can be considered as an alternative device for pediatric patients with conductive hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Latif Kadhim
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Ramanathan D, Kipnis P, Klaas P, Aaron KA, Anne S. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with hearing loss. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 171:111612. [PMID: 37329702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate rates of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) diagnosis among pediatric patients with normal hearing (NH) and hearing loss (HL) with and without comorbidities. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of NH and HL patients following chart review of all pediatric patients with a history of tympanostomy tube placement treated at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between 2019 and 2022. METHODS Patient demographic information, hearing status (type of HL, laterality, severity), and comorbidities including prematurity, genetic syndromes, disorders with neurological impairment, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were collected. Rate of AD/HD amongst HL and NH cohorts with and without comorbidities were compared using Fisher's exact test. Covariate-adjusted analysis was also completed (sex, current age, age at tube placement, and OSA). The primary outcome of interest was rates of AD/HD among children with NH and HL, and the secondary outcome of interest was the impact of comorbidities on rates of AD/HD diagnosis in these cohorts. RESULTS Of the 919 screened patients between 2019 and 2022, there were 778 NH patients and 141 HL patients (80 bilateral, 61 unilateral). HL ranged from mild (n = 110) to moderate (n = 21) to severe/profound (n = 9). Overall, the rate of AD/HD was significantly higher in HL children (12.1% HL vs 3.6% NH, p < 0.001). Of the 919 patients, 157 had comorbidities. In children without comorbidities, HL children still had significantly higher rates of AD/HD compared to NH children (8.0% vs 1.9%, p = 0.02), but there was loss of significance after covariate adjustment (p = 0.72). CONCLUSION The rate of AD/HD among children with HL (12.1%) is higher than the rate of AD/HD in NH children (3.6%), consistent with previous findings. After excluding patients with comorbidities and adjusting for covariates, there are similar rates of AD/HD between HL and NH patients. Given high rates of comorbidities and AD/HD in HL patients and potential for augmented developmental challenges, clinicians should have a low threshold to refer children with HL for neurocognitive testing, particularly those with any of the comorbidities or covariates described in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diya Ramanathan
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pavel Kipnis
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Patricia Klaas
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ksenia A Aaron
- Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Samantha Anne
- Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Ji H, Yu X, Xiao Z, Zhu H, Liu P, Lin H, Chen R, Hong Q. Features of Cognitive Ability and Central Auditory Processing of Preschool Children With Minimal and Mild Hearing Loss. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:1867-1888. [PMID: 37116308 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the current status of cognitive development and central auditory processing development of preschool children with minimal and mild hearing loss (MMHL) in Nanjing, China. METHOD We recruited 34 children with MMHL and 45 children with normal hearing (NH). They completed a series of tests, including cognitive tests (i.e., Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and Continuous Performance Test), behavioral auditory tests (speech-in-noise [SIN] test and frequency pattern test), and objective electrophysiological audiometry (speech-evoked auditory brainstem response and cortical auditory evoked potential). In addition, teacher evaluations and demographic information and questionnaires completed by parents were collected. RESULTS Regarding cognitive ability, statistical differences in the verbal comprehensive index, full-scale intelligence quotient, and abnormal rate of attention test score were found between the MMHL group and the NH group. The children with MMHL performed poorer on the SIN test than the children with NH. As for the auditory electrophysiology of the two groups, the latency and amplitude of some waves of the speech-evoked auditory brainstem response and cortical auditory evoked potential were statistically different between the two groups. We attempted to explore the relationship between some key indicators of auditory processing and some key indicators of cognitive development. CONCLUSIONS Children with MMHL are already at increased developmental risk as early as preschool. They are more likely to have problems with attention and verbal comprehension than children with NH. This condition is not compensated with increasing age during the preschool years. The results suggest a possible relationship between the risk of cognitive deficit and divergence of auditory processing. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22670473.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ji
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyue Yu
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenglu Xiao
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiqin Zhu
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Panting Liu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huanxi Lin
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renjie Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Hong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China
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Nash K, Macniven R, Clague L, Coates H, Fitzpatrick M, Gunasekera H, Gwynne K, Halvorsen L, Harkus S, Holt L, Lumby N, Neal K, Orr N, Pellicano E, Rambaldini B, McMahon C. Ear and hearing care programs for First Nations children: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:380. [PMID: 37076841 PMCID: PMC10116763 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ear and hearing care programs are critical to early detection and management of otitis media (or middle ear disease). Otitis media and associated hearing loss disproportionately impacts First Nations children. This affects speech and language development, social and cognitive development and, in turn, education and life outcomes. This scoping review aimed to better understand how ear and hearing care programs for First Nations children in high-income colonial-settler countries aimed to reduce the burden of otitis media and increase equitable access to care. Specifically, the review aimed to chart program strategies, map the focus of each program against 4 parts of a care pathway (prevention, detection, diagnosis/management, rehabilitation), and to identify the factors that indicated the longer-term sustainability and success of programs. METHOD A database search was conducted in March 2021 using Medline, Embase, Global Health, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Academic Search Premier. Programs were eligible or inclusion if they had either been developed or run at any time between January 2010 to March 2021. Search terms encompassed terms such as First Nations children, ear and hearing care, and health programs, initiatives, campaigns, and services. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles met the criteria to be included in the review and described a total of twenty-one ear and hearing care programs. Programs employed strategies to: (i) connect patients to specialist services, (ii) improve cultural safety of services, and (iii) increase access to ear and hearing care services. However, program evaluation measures were limited to outputs or the evaluation of service-level outcome, rather than patient-based outcomes. Factors which contributed to program sustainability included funding and community involvement although these were limited in many cases. CONCLUSION The result of this study highlighted that programs primarily operate at two points along the care pathway-detection and diagnosis/management, presumably where the greatest need lies. Targeted strategies were used to address these, some which were limited in their approach. The success of many programs are evaluated as outputs, and many programs rely on funding sources which can potentially limit longer-term sustainability. Finally, the involvement of First Nations people and communities typically only occurred during implementation rather than across the development of the program. Future programs should be embedded within a connected system of care and tied to existing policies and funding streams to ensure long term viability. Programs should be governed and evaluated by First Nations communities to further ensure programs are sustainable and are designed to meet community needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Nash
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Rona Macniven
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liesa Clague
- Thurru Indigenous Unit, College of Medicine, Health and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Harvey Coates
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Kylie Gwynne
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke Halvorsen
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Leanne Holt
- Department of Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Noeleen Lumby
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Neil Orr
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Boe Rambaldini
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine McMahon
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
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Batthyany C, Schut AR, van der Schroeff M, Vroegop J. Translation and validation of the speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ) and the hearing environments and reflection on quality of life (HEAR-QL) questionnaire for children and adolescents in Dutch. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:129-137. [PMID: 35085481 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.2020914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, no hearing-specific self-report tool is available in Dutch to give insight into how deficits in auditory skills are experienced by a child in daily life or to examine the impact of hearing loss on children's quality of life. Therefore, we aimed to translate and validate the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Hearing Environments and Reflection on Quality of Life (HEAR-QL) Questionnaire for children and adolescents into Dutch. DESIGN Translation of the questionnaires into Dutch was conducted by means of the forward-backward procedure. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaires digitally. We examined discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. STUDY SAMPLE A total of 121 subjects between 7 and 18 years old were included, of which 54 normal hearing and 67 bilaterally hearing-impaired subjects. Hearing-impaired subjects were fitted with hearing aids, bone conductive devices and/or cochlear implants. RESULTS All questionnaires were shown to significantly discriminate between the normal hearing and the hearing-impaired group. Satisfying internal consistency and good test-retest reliability were found. CONCLUSIONS The Dutch SSQ and HEAR-QL questionnaires for children and adolescents appear to be valid and reliable self-report tools for management and follow-up of those with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Batthyany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Rose Schut
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Schroeff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jantien Vroegop
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Raiza Fontes Barros Bomfim J, Orge Anunciação Bacelar C, Marques da Silva Neto M, Salles C, Marice Teixeira Ladeia A, Renata Rissatto-Lago M. Association between hearing impairment, school performance and cognitive function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:244-250. [PMID: 35048475 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association among hearing impairment, school performance, and cognitive function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. METHODS Thirty-one participants with sickle cell disease (SCD) and 31 healthy participants in the control-comparison group (CG), both aged 8-17 years underwent auditory system evaluation (pure tone audiometry and acoustic reflex), were screened for the risks of (central) auditory processing disorder and dysfunction of cognitive function using the Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively, and were interviewed to obtain clinical data and data on school performance. RESULTS In the SCD group, eight (25.8%) participants presented with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The group with SCD and SNHL presented a higher occurrence of poor school performance than the group of participants with SCD without SNHL (p= 0.016). The MMSE score for aspects related to attention and calculation in the SCD group with SNHL was lower than in the SCD group without SNHL (p= 0.016). In the SAB, the SCD group with SNHL presented a lower score than the SCD group without SNHL in aspects related to academic performance and attention. CONCLUSION Hearing impairment in children and adolescents with SCD, specifically SNHL, is associated with poor school performance and enhances the risk of cognitive impairment in terms of attention and calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cristina Salles
- Postgraduate Course in Medicine and Human Health, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Professor Edgar Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ana Marice Teixeira Ladeia
- Postgraduate Course in Medicine and Human Health, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mara Renata Rissatto-Lago
- College of Speech Therapy, Department of the Life Science, State University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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12
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Ravi SK, Sumanth P, Saraswathi T, Basha Chinoor MA, Ashwini N, Ahemed E. Prevalence of communication disorders among school children in Ballari, South India: A cross-sectional study. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2021.100851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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13
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Ching TYC, Saetre-Turner M, Marnane V, Scarinci N, Choik C, Tulloch K, Sung V. Audiologists' perspectives on management of mild bilateral hearing loss in infants and young children. Int J Audiol 2021; 61:752-760. [PMID: 34370600 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1961170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Universal newborn hearing screening programs have led to early identification of infants with congenital mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL). The current lack of evidence-based protocols to guide audiological management of infants with MBHL has led to clinical equipoise about fitting of hearing aids. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding about the perspectives of paediatric audiologists on factors influencing their management of MBHLin infants and young children. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive research methodology involving semi-structured interviews with audiologists. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-three paediatric audiologists in diagnostic and rehabilitation settings in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS Three main themes that influenced management were identified. These include: (1) evidence, or the lack of it, influences audiologists' practice; (2) audiologists recognise the need to be fluid; and (3) family characteristics and parents' perspectives. "Audiologists delivering family-centred practice" was identified as an overarching theme across these factors. CONCLUSIONS Audiologists recognised the importance of adopting a family-centred approach in their management of MBHL in infants and young children. Embodied in their practice was the acknowledgement of limited evidence, the consideration of multiple child and family factors, and the incorporation of perspectives of parents and families in adopting a fluid approach to provide individualised services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Y C Ching
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Hearing Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Vivienne Marnane
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Hearing Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nerina Scarinci
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Chermaine Choik
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Kristen Tulloch
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Valerie Sung
- Population Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Community Child Health and Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Maharjan M, Phuyal S, Shrestha M. Prevalence of hearing loss in school aged Nepalese children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 143:110658. [PMID: 33636508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of hearing loss in school aged children of Nepal. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out on school aged children attending the government run schools of Nepal. A total of 79,340 children from grades 1 through 10 were included in the study. After taking brief history about ear diseases and hearing loss, children were screened for ear diseases in their respective classroom by otoscope. Hearing evaluation was carried out by pure tone audiometer and hearing threshold was obtained at 0.5-4 kHz. The results were then documented and analyzed. RESULTS The prevalence of hearing impairment in school aged children in Nepal is found to be 5.73% (4551 of 79,340). Conductive hearing loss was the most common type of hearing loss and was observed in 70.47% (n = 3207) of the children. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that hearing loss is a common problem in children of Nepal. With the main cause of hearing loss due to preventable conditions such as chronic otitis media, it is believed that early standardized screening, detection and timely management of chronic otitis media in these children can prevent hearing loss and its impact on their educational, social and language development. School based ear health programs are a useful community-oriented solution for prevention of deafness. It shows how important it is to introduce hearing screening for primary school aged children to prevent hearing loss.
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Nunes ADDS, Pereira RN, Pereira Junior A, Barbosa IR, Balen SA. Sensitivity and specificity of three hearing screening protocols in the school setting. REVISTA CEFAC 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/20202266519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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