This review is a novel attempt to explore the LTF among NHS studies, reasons for LTF and strategies to reduce LTF. This review can act as a basis for planning and execution of effective NHS programs.

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Background and ObjectivesThe knowledge and perception of teleaudiology among audiologists will determine the acceptance and success of teleaudiology practice. This systematic review was conducted to review the published literature on knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology application among audiologists.Materials and MethodsFive studies exploring knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology application among audiologists published in the English language up to May 2017 were included.ResultsPositive attitudes was observed across the studies regarding acceptance towards application of teleaudiology. The most common sources of knowledge were on the job, graduate studies, and continuing education programs. The major barriers to the uptake of application of teleaudiology were in terms of limitations in infrastructure, reimbursement, and licensure.ConclusionsThe study sheds light on the existing knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology applications among audiologists. This will help in improving the existing teleaudiology services as well as overcome the challenges faced.

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Objective: Hearing loss (HL) affects the everyday functioning of millions of people worldwide. The Brief International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) core sets for HL was developed to meet the complex health care needs of adults with HL. Because the brief core set for HL has not yet been validated internationally, this study aimed to investigate its validity from an international perspective. Design: A cross-sectional validation study based on data from structured interviews with adults with HL. Study sample: Participants (n ¼ 571) from India, South Africa, Sweden and the US were included. Results: A six-factor solution explained 71% of the variance, focussing on issues related to communication, the social environment, participation in society, health care services, support, relationships and emotions (a ¼ 0.915). Three ICF categories demonstrated low reliabilitytemperament and personality functions, seeing functions and school education. Conclusion: The Brief ICF core set for HL is valid for adults with HL internationally. However, to further increase its international validity, we recommend adding the categories d920 recreation and leisure and replacing d850 school education with the more inclusive block, d810-d839 education.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world and become a global pandemic. This has hampered and led to drastic changes in the functioning of healthcare services, forcing the professionals to adapt and work efficiently. The present study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the professional practices of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in India using a cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practices survey. Material and methods The study was conducted in two phases; phase one involved development and validation of the questionnaire, while phase II involved data collection. A cross-sectional self-reported internet-based study using convenience sampling was carried out. Results Two hundred and eleven audiologists and speech-language pathologists responded to the survey. Overall, the professionals exhibited good knowledge levels regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there were differences in their attitudes towards service delivery in the midst of the pandemic. Further, poor practices towards infection control measures especially in terms of hand washing was noted. Conclusion The findings of the present study are useful in highlighting the need to create better awareness among these professionals about appropriate and standard infection control measures. There is a need to have in place standard operating protocols for hand wash and infection control as well as inclusion in curriculum.