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Hearing Impairment Among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Rural Eastern Cape: A Retrospective Analysis of Audiometric Findings

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Listed:
  • Lindiwe Modest Faye

    (Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

  • Mojisola Clara Hosu

    (Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

  • Ntandazo Dlatu

    (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

  • Vatiswa Henge-Daweti

    (Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

  • Teke Apalata

    (Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

Abstract

Hearing loss (HL) is a major global health concern, with drug-induced ototoxicity contributing significantly, particularly in patients undergoing treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). In South Africa, where both TB and HIV are prevalent, the risk of treatment-related auditory damage is especially high. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of hearing impairment among DR-TB patients in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 438 DR-TB patients treated between 2018 and 2020, using pure tone audiometry (PTA) to assess hearing status post-treatment. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were extracted from patient records and analyzed using logistic regression. The overall prevalence of hearing loss was 37.2%. Risk was significantly associated with an older age, a male gender, DR-TB classification (MDR, pre-XDR, and XDR), unsuccessful treatment outcomes, and substance use. Prevalence of HL increased notably in patients aged 70 and older. Lifestyle factors, particularly combined use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, were linked to higher odds of HL. These findings underscore the need for routine audiometric screening and personalized treatment monitoring in DR-TB care, especially for high-risk populations. Early identification of ototoxicity risk factors can inform safer treatment regimens and improve patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindiwe Modest Faye & Mojisola Clara Hosu & Ntandazo Dlatu & Vatiswa Henge-Daweti & Teke Apalata, 2025. "Hearing Impairment Among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Rural Eastern Cape: A Retrospective Analysis of Audiometric Findings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:810-:d:1661008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katijah Khoza-Shangase & Nothando Masondo, 2020. "What Are the Current Audiological Practices for Ototoxicity Assessment and Management in the South African Healthcare Context?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-14, April.
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