Early detection and intervention services for children with hearing loss in Western and South Asian developing countries: a scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT A scoping review was conducted to map the availability and nature of early detection and intervention services for children with hearing loss in Western and South Asian developing countries. The scoping review followed the five-stage framework outlined by Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. [(2005). Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616]. Terms relating to research question were searched in PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus. An additional grey literature search was conducted in relevant area. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied on 1,237 articles. Included articles were categorized based on delivered services. Analysis of the literature identified that many countries in Western and South Asia have some available services. Specifically, (1) newborn hearing screening programmes are not available in all hospitals; (2) there are some centres providing amplification devices and cochlear implants, but these are limited in number; and (3) families have difficulty accessing therapy services. 31 texts were included in the scoping review. These findings highlight that whilst some early detection and intervention services for children with hearing loss are available in developing countries in Western and South Asia, they are not yet fully established, and thus there are limitations to addressing all factors in early detection and intervention and optimizing outcomes for children with hearing loss.