Hearing screening outcomes and otoscopic findings among primary school children in Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss among schoolchildren is a major public health concern that negatively affects language, speech, learning and social development. However, evidence on hearing screening outcomes among schoolchildren in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine hearing screening outcomes and otoscopic findings among primary schoolchildren in Southwest Ethiopia. Method: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 primary schoolchildren in Jimma Town. A pragmatic school-based sampling approach was used to select participants. A two-stage screening process was implemented, consisting of pure-tone audiometry (at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz) followed by otoscopic examination for children who failed the hearing screening. Descriptive statistics, proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using MATLAB version 2024b. Results: The proportion of children who failed the hearing screening (hearing level ≥ 25 dB at one frequency in at least one ear) ranged from 13% to 22% across four schools and reached 68.9% in the fifth school. Impacted earwax was the most common otoscopic finding, accounting for nearly 34%. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of children failed the hearing screening, mainly due to preventable and treatable conditions. The findings suggest the need for school-based hearing screening programmes, ear hygiene education and improved access to ear care services in resource-limited settings. Contribution: This study provides valuable data on hearing screening outcomes and otoscopic findings in schoolchildren in southwest Ethiopia and highlights the importance of regular hearing screenings, education on ear hygiene and improved access to hearing care.