A systematic review of mHealth-based paediatric hearing screening tools/devices

Despite the proven effectiveness of traditional screening devices for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs, the costs of these instruments are high to be implemented as a sustainable solution for low- and middle-income countries. Mobile Health (mHealth) hearing screeners are an alternative solution to support EHDI programs....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

mHealth screening tools show promise as low-cost alternatives for pediatric hearing screening in resource-limited settings, but evidence quality and device accuracy vary enough that clinicians should not yet replace validated EHDI equipment without further large-scale validation.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

If rigorously validated, mHealth pediatric hearing screening tools could dramatically expand early hearing detection in underserved and low-resource settings globally.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Systematic review evaluated mHealth tools for pediatric hearing screening as EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) alternatives.
02mHealth tools were assessed for cost-effectiveness and practical utility compared to traditional devices.
03Accuracy and reliability varied considerably across the tools reviewed.
04Findings suggest potential for mHealth screening in low-resource settings but highlight gaps in validation evidence.
05Further large-scale prospective studies are needed before widespread clinical adoption.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

mHealth-based tools can serve as cost-effective alternatives to traditional pediatric EHDI screening devices.

studypartially supported

mHealth pediatric hearing screening tools vary in accuracy and reliability.

studysupported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42052411
DOI: 10.1177/20552076261434816.
Journal: DIGITAL HEALTH
Publication type: systematic_review
Evidence level: 1a
Population: Children undergoing hearing screening; studies evaluating mHealth-based pediatric hearing screening tools
Intervention: mHealth-based pediatric hearing screening tools and devices (smartphone/app-based)
Comparator: Traditional EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) screening devices

Primary outcomes

Utility of mHealth tools as alternatives to traditional EHDI screening devices; Cost-effectiveness of mHealth screening tools; Accuracy and reliability of mHealth tools

✦ Related stories ✦

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·12d ago

Early Auditory Stimulation, Not Device Type: Comparable Cortical Maturation in Children Using Cochlear Implants or Hearing Aids

Prioritise early auditory stimulation regardless of device type — timing of intervention appears more important than the choice between cochlear implant and hearing aid for cortical auditory maturation.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·7d ago

Quantifying Inner Ear Function in Children With a Diagnosis of Cancer: Assessment of Vestibular and Audiometric Function

Audiologists and oncology teams caring for pediatric cancer patients should routinely screen for vestibular impairment alongside audiometric monitoring, as this study suggests vestibular damage is an under-detected late effect of cancer treatment in children.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·3w ago

Ototoxicity Associated with Antineoplastic Agents in the Pediatric Population: An Evidence-Based Review of Auditory Monitoring Strategies and Contemporary Diagnostic Frameworks-Narrative Review

Audiologists managing pediatric oncology patients should apply evidence-based auditory monitoring protocols aligned with current diagnostic frameworks for platinum-based chemotherapy ototoxicity; this review consolidates existing guidance but does not introduce new...

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·3w ago

Newborn hearing screening in infants at risk of hearing loss: diagnostic outcomes, false-negative results, and the role of surveillance

Clinicians managing at-risk newborns should maintain structured audiological surveillance beyond initial screening, as false-negative rates indicate that a single screen is insufficient for this population.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·4d ago

When hearing loss mimics autism: Enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome in an 11-year-old child-A case report

Clinicians should consider audiological evaluation, including imaging for structural inner-ear abnormalities like enlarged vestibular aqueduct, before or alongside autism spectrum disorder workups in children with social communication deficits.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·4d ago

Status and gaps in newborn hearing screening in South Africa: A cross-sectoral review

No single new clinical action is indicated, but audiologists and programme administrators involved in newborn hearing screening in South Africa (or comparable settings) should use these identified gaps as a checklist for local programme audits.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·12d ago

Exploring and Overcoming Challenges for Efficient Audiological Testing in Children Under 5 Years of Age-Screening with Otoacoustic Emissions

Audiologists monitoring pediatric oncology patients on cisplatin should consider OAE screening protocols adapted to the practical challenges of testing children under 5, though specific protocol changes depend on the study's detailed findings and local resources.

PubMed·Journal article·Pediatric·4d ago

Newborn and infant hearing screening outcomes at a tertiary paediatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa

The findings confirm systemic implementation failures in newborn hearing screening at this site; audiologists and programme managers in similar low-resource settings should audit their own screening uptake and follow-up rates against national EHDI benchmarks.