This study highlights a high prevalence of outer and middle ear pathologies in paediatrics in Limpopo and therefore recommends comprehensive baseline and periodic screenings; to identify children with outer and middle ear pathologies and need further management, and consequently prevent the complications of these pathologies. Additionally, this report highlights a rising need for large-scale research to provide comprehensive analysis of these pathologies.

Background: Fourteen million new cancer cases are reported annually, and up to 10% of those involve children below 15 years. Cisplatin, a commonly used anti-cancer drug for its high success rate, is associated with ototoxicity. Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is characterised by permanent bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss. Hearing loss, when occurring during childhood, can impact negatively communication development, scholastic performance and quality of life.Aim: To determine the incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in paediatric oncology.Setting: A retrospective records review of paediatric oncology patients who underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy and had ototoxicity monitoring from January 2015 to December 2017 at a children’s hospital.Method: Data collected included demographic, cisplatin treatment and audiometric information. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: A total of 49 records meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Ototoxic hearing loss was found in 39 (80%) of the patients whose records were reviewed and the majority (56%) presented with a bilateral moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were absent in 32 (67%) patients. Cumulative dose (> 200 mg/m2) was associated with higher incidences of ototoxicity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67–17.34; p = 0.044). Younger patients (< 10 years) had higher odds of developing ototoxicity, but this was not statistically significant (OR: 4.00; 95% CI: 0.82–19.46; p = 0.085).Conclusion: This study found a high incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in paediatric oncology patients. This is concerning because hearing loss during this age can have long-term negative impact on a child’s development and overall quality of life. Early identification of ototoxicity-induced hearing loss and appropriate intervention are highly recommended in this patient group.

Background: Paediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) often manifests with hearing loss (HL). Given the impact of HL, early detection is critical to prevent its associated effects. Yet, the majority of children living with HIV/AIDS (CLWHA) cannot access hearing healthcare services because of the scarcity of audiologists and expensive costs of purchasing screening equipment. Alternative solutions for early detection of HL are therefore necessary.Aim: The overall aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using self-administered smartphone-based audiometry for early HL detection amongst CLWHA.Setting: This study was conducted at the paediatrics department of a state hospital in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Methods: This was a feasibility study conducted amongst twenty-seven (27) CLWHA who were in the age group of 6–12 years. The participants self-administered hearing screening tests using a smartphone-based audiometric test. The primary end-points of this study were to determine the sensitivity, specificity and test-retest reliability of self-administered hearing screening.Results: The sensitivity and specificity for self-administered screening were 82% and 94%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 90% and 88%, respectively. Moreover, a strong positive test-retest reliability (r = 0.97) was obtained when participants self-administered the screening test.Conclusion: Six- to 12-year-old CLWHA were able to accurately self-administer hearing screening tests using smartphone-based audiometry. These findings show that self-administered smartphone audiometry can be used for serial hearing monitoring in at-risk paediatric patients.