Review Article

Age of detection of congenital hearing loss in South Africa: A systematic review

Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Khomotjo Kgare, Andrew J. Ross
Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a777 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.777 | © 2025 Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Khomotjo Kgare, Andrew J. Ross | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 28 August 2024 | Published: 27 January 2025

About the author(s)

Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Department of Family Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Khomotjo Kgare, Department of Rehabilitative Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
Andrew J. Ross, Department of Family Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Newborn hearing screening is the most important step towards early intervention of congenital or early-onset hearing loss (HL) and has the potential to optimise patient outcomes. Yet, literature on the age of identification of this HL in South Africa (SA) is sparse.

Aim: To determine the age of identification of congenital HL from published studies in SA.

Setting: The study was conducted in SA.

Methods: This was a systematic review conducted during April 2024 – June 2024 across the following databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science and Scopus. A random effects (RE) model meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 18. Statistical tests conducted include meta-summary statistics and RE meta-analysis.

Results: Ten studies, with a total of 1501 children, were included in this review. The computed Q-test of homogeneity was 5870.97 and the pooled mean age of identification was 30 months (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 19.3–41.3).

Conclusion: These findings show that congenital or early-onset HL in SA is identified later than the national and international standards, that is, < 1 month of age. These findings are important for future research, priority setting and implementation of strategies to reduce the burden and impact of HL. Future research investigating the barriers to early detection of HL in SA is recommended. Furthermore, the implementation of evidence-based interventions to lower the age of identification of congenital HL to enable its early detection and intervention in this age group is recommended.

Contribution: This study highlights the need to strengthen preventative programmes for paediatric HL in SA.


Keywords

age of detection; congenital; early-onset; hearing loss; early hearing detection and intervention; universal newborn hearing screening

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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