Adult community-based audiometric findings

This dataset includes raw data collection findings including audiometric information of adult participants from two community centres (Ikamva Labantu and Mbekweni Kuyasa) in the Western Cape, South Africa. The data collected was used for the research purposes of a study titled "Primary ear care in low-income settings : Hearing loss characteristics and cerumen management efficacy". This study implemented a community-based approach, utilising task-shifting to CHWs and use of mHealth tools to improve hearing care in low-income regions. The study aim was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss in a self-referred adult cohort in low-income South African communities and to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based cerumen management protocol implemented in a community-based setting. A cross-sectional, predominantly quantitative design was employed. A total of 227 participants, aged between 43 and 102 years, were recruited through self-referral from two community centres located in low-income communities in the Western Cape, South Africa. All participants underwent a hearing evaluation, and those identified with cerumen impaction received cerumen management.
Prior to the initiation of data collection, informed consent letters containing all the information about the research study were signed by all participants to ensure the protection of human rights during and after data collection procedures.