Prevalence of ear disease and associated hearing loss among primary school students in the Solomon Islands: otitis media still a major public health issue

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than two-thirds of the global burden of hearing loss is found in developing countries, with approximately half of these hearing disorders considered preventable [1]. The 2012 WHO estimates on global hearing impairment stated that children represent 9% of the 360 million people worldwide living with a disabling hearing impairment [2]. Infectious diseases and middle ear disorders are recognised as the leading causes of avoidable hearing impairment in children.

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology - August 7, 2018 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Annette Kaspar, Obiga Newton, Joseph Kei, Carlie Driscoll, De Wet Swanepoel, Helen Goulios Source Type: research