A new study published in the International Journal of Audiology reports on Jul. 30 that there are significant disparities in audiological care between high- and low-income countries. The research, titled ‘Global disparities in hearing care services and infrastructure: findings from a 47-country international provider survey’, compares the availability of audiological services across World Bank income groups.
The cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed by the Global Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Initiative, receiving 135 responses from 47 countries. According to the study, multiple responses from each country were combined into one entry for analysis. The survey evaluated access to audiology and support services internationally, with statistical significance assessed between different income groups.
The findings indicate that high-income countries reported greater availability of newborn hearing screening, diagnostic tests, pediatric and adult hearing assessments, vestibular services, and advanced hearing technologies compared to low- and middle-income nations. Advanced diagnostic tools and devices such as cochlear implants were found to be significantly more accessible in wealthier countries.
The authors conclude that addressing these gaps is essential for achieving equitable hearing health care worldwide.
