Vaccination for prevention of hearing loss: a scoping review

Abstract

Infectious diseases in childhood and adolescence are significant and often preventable causes of hearing loss, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a scoping review to examine the extent, range and nature of available evidence on the role of vaccination for prevention of hearing loss worldwide. We reviewed the published scientific literature to identify studies providing quantitative information on the relationship between vaccination and hearing loss. We searched four databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Global Index Medicus. No date, language, or geographical restrictions were imposed. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility and charted data. Here we show that vaccination may be a key, underexploited strategy for primary prevention of child and adolescent hearing loss. Although the important contributions of rubella and meningitis vaccinations to hearing loss prevention are widely recognised, we identify 26 distinct known or potential infectious causes of hearing loss that are preventable or possibly preventable through vaccination. Notwithstanding, we find a dearth of empirical evidence on the impacts of vaccination on hearing loss prevention. In addition, the review identifies no research from low- and middle-income countries, which bear the overwhelming burden of child and adolescent hearing loss. Finally, it shows that numerous vaccines that address priority infectious diseases relevant to hearing loss are in development and could be brought into use. We recommend strategic investment in research concerning vaccination as a strategy for primary prevention of child and adolescent hearing loss. Some infectious diseases (illness from bacteria, viruses or parasites) in childhood and young adulthood can cause hearing loss. Attempting to prevent these infections or lessen their effect could prevent hearing loss. We reviewed the available scientific evidence to learn if vaccines may protect against some of these diseases and thereby help to avoid potential hearing loss. We find that vaccination could be a key strategy not used widely enough, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. We found evidence suggesting that vaccines protect against a wide range of pathogens (disease causing organisms) related to hearing loss, but very limited observed evidence on the real-world effects of vaccination on hearing loss. We recommend efforts for more research to make better use of vaccines as a strategy for prevention of child and adolescent hearing loss. Johri et al. review the scientific evidence on the role of vaccination in prevention of hearing loss worldwide. The authors show that vaccination is a key, underexploited strategy for primary prevention of child and adolescent hearing loss, especially in low- and middle-income countries where childhood Infectious diseases are prevalent.

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