Digital Devices and Community Health Workers Revolutionize Hearing Screenings in Africa’s Low-Income Communities
A Silent Crisis Unfolds
In Africa, an estimated 136 million people face the isolating burden of hearing difficulties, a number projected to soar to 337 million by 2050. This silent epidemic not only impacts individuals but also carries substantial social and economic consequences, with an estimated global cost of untreated hearing loss reaching US$980 billion annually.
Challenges and Disparities
Africa grapples with a severe shortage of audiologists, with less than one for every million people. Moreover, the cost of hearing aids remains prohibitive for many in low- to middle-income countries. As a result, only 2% of those requiring hearing aids in Africa have access to them.
A Breakthrough: Digital Innovations and Community Empowerment
Researchers at the University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the hearX Foundation, have developed innovative digital devices and training programs to address these challenges and revolutionize hearing care in low-income communities.
1. A Screening App for Children
Trained community members utilize a simple app on Android smartphones to conduct hearing screenings in early childhood development centers. Close to 50,000 children have benefited at a cost of less than US$6 per child.
2. Early Child Development Training
A mobile health (mHealth) training program empowers teachers in these centers to identify hearing problems and guide parents on necessary interventions.
3. hearWHO App for Adults
The WHO-endorsed hearWHO app enables adults to self-screen for hearing loss using a straightforward test. This app has reached nearly 500 million people in over 190 countries since 2019.
4. Hearing Aids in Communities
In collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the screening technology has expanded to eight countries in Africa and Asia. A feasibility study by the WHO explored the provision of hearing aids in low-income communities, with promising results.
Integration and Expansion
As efforts to combat hearing loss continue, it is essential to integrate these innovative models into existing healthcare systems. By empowering communities and leveraging technological advancements, we can improve access to hearing care, reduce disparities, and restore the joy of sound for millions across Africa.
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Mehek 
Divya 
Priyanka