Women-Centered Ear and Hearing Screening within an Urban Public Health Initiative: Evidence from Central India

Hearing disorders among women remain under-recognized in low- and middle-income settings despite their significant impact on communication, family well-being, and healthy ageing. This study evaluated the outcomes of a government-supported, women-centered ear and hearing screening program implemented under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyan in central India. A 16-day universal screening initiative was conducted across a tertiary care institution and an urban community outreach setting, enrolling 1,083 females aged 3–86 years. Participants underwent otological examination, audiological assessment, and appropriate medical, surgical, or rehabilitative interventions, with structured referral and follow-up mechanisms. Overall, 9.7% of screened females were identified with clinically significant hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss was the most prevalent type (46.7%), predominantly due to tympanic membrane perforation, impacted cerumen, and otitis media, highlighting a substantial burden of preventable and treatable ear disease. Sensorineural hearing loss accounted for 39.0% of cases, with presbycusis comprising the majority, particularly among women over 60 years of age. Notably, 8.3% of asymptomatic participants were found to have previously undetected ear or hearing pathology. Follow-up compliance among community-referred individuals was high (82.5%), and acceptance of hearing rehabilitation was substantial. The dual-setting screening model demonstrated feasibility, broad population reach, and effective linkage to care. Integrating ear and hearing screening within women-focused public health initiatives offers a scalable strategy for early detection, management, and reduction of unmet hearing health needs in resource-limited settings.