Early hearing loss detection in low-resource school settings
Reviewed by Yovina Khiroya-Morjaria

This review summarises a narrative article examining why childhood hearing loss in low- and middle-income nations remains widely undiagnosed, and outlines strategies to improve detection. The authors highlight that although childhood hearing loss is highly prevalent and clinically significant, many cases are missed due to shortages of trained personnel, limited diagnostic infrastructure, cultural misconceptions and financial constraints. The review also emphasises the academic, social and emotional consequences of undetected hearing impairment, with evidence linking mild loss to poorer reading skills, reduced classroom participation, behavioural difficulties and, in some cases, long-term vocational disadvantage. The paper’s strength lies in its broad overview of barriers and practical public health solutions. Recommendations include strengthening vaccination programmes, prompt otitis media management, incorporating school-based screening (including smartphone-enabled otoacoustic emissions), tele-audiology and integrating hearing care into existing maternal-child health systems. From my clinical experience, the paper accurately reflects real-world challenges in underserved regions, particularly regarding late diagnosis reducing the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Although not a systematic review, it provides a clear and valuable framework for policymakers and clinicians working in low-resource environments.

Facilitating early detection and prompt management of hearing loss in school children in low- and middle-income nations.
Shrivastava SR, Bobhate PS, Rajasekaran V.
HEAR BAL COMMUN
2025;23(4):143–7.