Childhood hearing loss in sub-Saharan Africa: a review and recommendations

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1997 May 4;40(1):1-18. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5876(97)01508-5.

Abstract

Nearly 10% of the world's population lives in sub-Saharan Africa, a region comprised of many countries with least developed nation status. The region has a predominantly young population and many children in the region are at risk of pathologies associated with hearing loss. Despite the constraints associated with low socioeconomic levels, a number of valuable studies have been carried out into the prevalence and etiology of childhood hearing loss in the sub-Saharan region. A review of the published literature related to childhood hearing loss in sub-Saharan Africa is presented and recommendations made on possible future research directions that could assist hearing loss prevention and management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
  • Age Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Collection
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Hearing Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Hearing Disorders / physiopathology
  • Hearing Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Socioeconomic Factors