Ethical issues for large-scale hearing aid donation programmes to the Pacific Islands: a Samoan perspective

Kaspar, Annette; Pifeleti, Sione; Faumuina, Penaia A.; Newton, Obiga; Driscoll, Carlie

doi:10.1136/medethics-2020-106560

Cited by 5 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…While the ENT Clinic of Samoa was well-resourced to successfully complete participation in the SHRLMIC global study, the ethical dilemma of on-going care and support for people fitted with hearing aids was raised. 14,15 At this time, there is an non-government organization in Samoa that provides a basic hearing aid service dependent on overseas donations and international partnerships. Study participants were referred to this organization as required.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The closure of international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of locally sustainable models of hearing aid service provision. 14,15 The Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of Samoa, a Polynesian nation of the Pacific Islands, was presented with an opportunity to participate in the United Nations' global audiology study on Scalable Hearing Rehabilitation for Low-and Middle-Income Countries (SHRLMIC ). 16 The ENT Department and its evolving audiology service were thus able to investigate (1) the audiological profile of adults presenting to the ENT Clinic for ear and hearing complaints, and (2) the suitability of a hearing aid service delivery model that was lowcost, and did not depend on the skills of an audiologist.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The closure of international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of locally sustainable models of hearing aid service provision. 14,15…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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High Levels of Satisfaction Among Hearing Aid Users in a Pilot Study for Sustainable Low-Cost Auditory Rehabilitation Services in Samoa

Kaspar,

Newall,

Pifeleti

et al. 2023

Health�Serv�Insights

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The provision of locally sustainable hearing aid device services is desirable in the Pacific Islands. The aim of the present study was (1) To assess the suitability of low-cost pre-programmable hearing aids in Samoa, a Polynesian nation of the Pacific Islands, and (2) To develop translations of established auditory rehabilitation questionnaires into the FaaSamoan language for clinical, public health, and research applications. A cross-over trial of 2 low-cost pre-programmable hearing aids among 20 adults in Samoa was conducted as part of a larger UN-funded global audiology study. The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids for Significant Others, and the Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory questionnaires were translated into the FaaSamoan language to assess the self-reported outcomes of study participants. Overall, high scores were measured for the self-reported outcome measures, suggesting good levels of use and satisfaction with the hearing aid devices. Overall, results found that once a hearing aid was fitted that 67.6% of participants reported no hearing handicap, 32.4% reported a mild to moderate hearing handicap, and no participant reported a significant hearing handicap.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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High Levels of Satisfaction Among Hearing Aid Users in a Pilot Study for Sustainable Low-Cost Auditory Rehabilitation Services in Samoa

Kaspar,

Newall,

Pifeleti

et al. 2023

Health�Serv�Insights

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“…Kaspar et al raised issues on the ethical implications of a large-scale hearing aid donation programme in Samoa. It highlighted some differences in ethical and cultural frameworks between Samoan and non-Samoan perspectives [63].…”

Section: Ethical Donationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable equipment donation in otolaryngology in low-resource settings

de Cates,

Guéroult,

Narantsolmon

2024

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology &Amp; Head &Amp; Neck Surgery

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Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to examine current practices in surgical equipment donation to lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a particular focus on otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS). This is designed as a pragmatic review to guide potential donor communities to implement sustainable OHNS equipment donation in LMICs. Recent findings LMICs are increasingly reliant on international equipment donation. In terms of OHNS services, global OHNS have compiled a list of essential equipment for baseline care in LMICs. Especially in terms of audiology, OHNS equipment donation has the potential to have a significant impact on populational health. However, there is a scarcity of research on donated equipment in OHNS. A suggested blueprint for sustainable equipment donation follows these steps: establish partnerships, assess needs, source equipment, and follow-up and evaluate the intervention. Key further considerations for sustainability include remanufacturing and repurposing methods, maintenance, and contextual understanding. Summary Sustainable equipment donation in otolaryngology is an important part of global health equity and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. Despite the good intentions behind medical equipment donations, there are many challenges; donors and recipients should engage in collaborative, needs-based planning processes that result in long-term sustainability, local capacity building, and community participation.

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“…Also, the large-scale fitting of donated hearing aids has several ethical implications. Engagement with local stakeholders is key for the sustainability of effective, patient centred hearing aid services (Kaspar et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing outcomes of ultra-low-cost hearing aids to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high frequency hearing loss in Malawi: A feasibility study

Parmar

Phiri

Jailos

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Introduction Access to ear and hearing health services are limited or non-existent in low-income countries, with less than 10% of the global production of hearing aids is distributed to this population. The aim of this feasibility study was to compare the outcomes of an ultra-low-cost hearing aid (LoCHAid) to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high-frequency hearing loss, in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods Sixteen adults with high frequency hearing loss, and no prior experience of hearing aids, took part in this study, nine were fitted with the LoCHAid and seven were fitted with refurbished, programmable hearing aids, for a one-month trial. Five standardized hearing qualities questionnaires were used to compare outcomes pre and post device fitting and between devices. Questionnaire scales were analysed using general linear models and inductive thematic analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data. Results Overall, there was no significant difference found between LoCHAid and refurbished hearing aids, and the two device types each showed a similar degree of improvement after fitting. Qualitative data identified two key themes: Sound Quality and User experience. Conclusion The results from this feasibility study are encouraging, but a comprehensive, larger clinical study is needed to draw firm conclusions about the LoCHAids performance. This study has identified key improvement indicators required to enhance sound quality and user experience of the LoCHAid.

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Ethical issues for large-scale hearing aid donation programmes to the Pacific Islands: a Samoan perspective

Cited by 5 publications

References 17 publications

High Levels of Satisfaction Among Hearing Aid Users in a Pilot Study for Sustainable Low-Cost Auditory Rehabilitation Services in Samoa

High Levels of Satisfaction Among Hearing Aid Users in a Pilot Study for Sustainable Low-Cost Auditory Rehabilitation Services in Samoa

Sustainable equipment donation in otolaryngology in low-resource settings

Comparing outcomes of ultra-low-cost hearing aids to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high frequency hearing loss in Malawi: A feasibility study

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