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Trends in pediatric cochlear implants: The dual impact of COVID-19 and Lebanon’s crisis

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  • Joy M El Maalouf
  • Maged T Ghoche
  • Gabriel Dunya

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss is a major public health issue globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to cochlear implants (CIs) is restricted by cost and limited healthcare infrastructure. In Lebanon, the 2020 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced access to essential services, including pediatric CIs. Aim: This study assesses the impact of the 2020 Lebanese economic crisis on the number and funding sources of pediatric CI surgeries. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 228 pediatric patients who underwent 235 CI surgeries between 2017 and 2023. The number of surgeries and funding sources were compared before and after the 2020 crisis. Funding categories included government, private insurance, donations, or a combination. Data were analyzed using R software. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of surgeries before (113) and after (122) the crisis (p = 0.56). However, a marked shift in funding occurred. Government-funded procedures dropped from 45.87% to 12.61% (p

Suggested Citation

  • Joy M El Maalouf & Maged T Ghoche & Gabriel Dunya, 2025. "Trends in pediatric cochlear implants: The dual impact of COVID-19 and Lebanon’s crisis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(9), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0331234
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331234
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