Accuracy of the Novel ENTraview Mobile Device to Increase Access to Screening and Provisional Diagnosis of Ear Disease in Underserved Communities Across India

Background: The WHO estimates that there are more than 360 million people (5% of the total population) currently living with disabling hearing loss. There is an enormous and often invisible, global burden of hearing loss and ear disease especially in low and middle-income countries, where environmental factors are significant and access to preventative and treatment health services is challenging.Methods: A retrospective sampling study was completed to compare the agreement in screening for and diagnosing ear disease/hearing issues between the CHWs using ENTraview and the ENT specialist diagnosis. Results: Shruti ENTraview device otology functionality accuracy was examined over a total of 573 patients (34 ± 19 years old, 43% female). The most common diagnoses were CSOM in 50% of patients, wax in 35% and ASOM in 6%. The sensitivity rate of the community health worker diagnosis was 96.9% with corresponding 95% confidence interval of 95.1-98.1%. Conclusion: The burden of ear disease and hearing loss, within communities across India, is high and barriers exist, for patients and providers, across the continuum of care, including access to early screening and diagnosis.