Informed by the paucity of literature regarding ear and hearing care technology in Cameroon and the growing prevalence of ear and hearing pathologies justified by an increase in the number of clients that show up for ear and hearing care at facility level, the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) in partnership with Sound World Solutions (SWS) and Christophel Blind Mission (CBM) commissioned this study to conduct a field testing of SWS Hearing Aids with the aim of investigating user satisfaction vis a vis the quality and model of delivery of SWS Hearing Aids (HD75 and HD100) and to measure improvements in the quality of life of persons with hearing impairment using SWS hearing aids. Within 6months, 30 participants selected through a combination of self-reported inquiry and a Pure Tone Audiometry Test (PTA) took part in the study that was nested in the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) departments of the Mbingo Baptist Hospital (MBH). Three tools including the Hearing Aid Satisfaction Survey (HASS), Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) and the Washington Group set of Questions (WGQ) were used for Data collection at facility level at onset (upon consultation) and three to six months after using the Hearing Aids. The data collected was analyzed using a mixed method design. The findings show reported improvements in quality of life that were drastically adverse at onset of hearing impairment. There was an overall 80% satisfaction with the technical quality of the hearing aids, the accompanying services provided, affordability and ease of use. The Study recommends a review of current protocols related to hearing aid dispensation in the region.

The Sustainable Development Goals focus on promoting the wellbeing and health of everyone, including persons with hearing impairments, estimated at 466 million globally. Service provision is needed for these goals to be realized. This paper presents a situational analysis of ear and hearing care services in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, to contribute to the development of improved services. The paper provides a baseline overview of what is known about ear and hearing care, including a context analysis, suggestions on realistic targets for change, and recommendations for further work, policy development, and research. The World Health Organization Ear and Hearing Care Situational Analysis Tool for data collection and analysis was used to collect data from a cross section of respondents including providers and beneficiaries of services. Results indicate that there is a severe shortage of ear and hearing services, limited accessibility to medical products and health technologies, no training avenues locally available and no clear strategy to identify and address components and gaps. The study recommends an urgent need for the design of a 5-year strategic plan to address the gaps which should include strong representation from the deaf and hearing-impaired communities. This plan should ensure that every hospital and health center has a clear process for assessing clients of all ages for hearing impairments and that processes facilitating the acquisition of hearing care technologies are established. More broadly Information on hearing care needs to be shared in the mainstream and the deaf communities.