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Improving Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries: Insights from Asia

Improving Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries: Insights from Asia

Early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs are critical for ensuring optimal linguistic and cognitive development in children with hearing loss. A recent systematic review published in BMJ Paediatrics Open sheds light on the efficacy and validity of various EHDI models implemented in low-income and middle-income countries (L&MICs) in Asia. This blog post will explore the key findings from the study and offer practical insights for practitioners aiming to improve their skills and outcomes in EHDI.

Key Findings from the Systematic Review

The review analyzed 82 studies, categorized into newborn and infant screening programs and those for older children. The predominant screening methods for newborns and infants involved a two-stage objective otoacoustic emission (OAE) or automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) screening, followed by a detailed auditory brainstem response (ABR) to confirm hearing loss. For older children, a single-stage pure tone audiometry (PTA) screening was commonly used.

Practical Insights for Practitioners

Based on the findings, practitioners can take several steps to enhance the efficacy of EHDI programs:

  1. Adopt Uniform Protocols: Establishing standardized protocols within countries can help ensure consistency and improve outcomes.
  2. Leverage Technology: Utilize information and communication technology (ICT) for data management and follow-up reminders to minimize loss to follow-up.
  3. Train Non-Specialists: Providing adequate training to nurses, health workers, and school instructors can expand the workforce capable of conducting screenings.
  4. Focus on Impact Evaluation: Conducting long-term studies to assess the cost-benefit and impact outcomes can help in refining and sustaining EHDI programs.

Implementing these strategies can significantly improve the effectiveness of EHDI programs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children with hearing loss.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programmes for infants and young children in low-income and middle-income countries in Asia: a systematic review.


Citation: Joshi, D., Ramkumar, V., Nair, L. S., & Kuper, H. (2023). Early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programmes for infants and young children in low-income and middle-income countries in Asia: a systematic review. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 7(1), e001752. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001752
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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