School-Based Hearing Pre-Screening Using Low-Cost Devices, Jifunze Uelewe (JU) Project

This report presents the findings of a pilot study testing two low-cost hearing screening devices for use in school-based hearing pre-screening in Tanzania. The pilot was carried out by RTI International and eKitabu under the USAID Jifunze Uelewe (JU) project, in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, in February 2023. Teachers were trained to use the EAR Inc. Adjustable Hearing Screener and Fit Check device and the Universal Hearing Screener from Hearing Technologies International, then screened 120 pre-primary to Grade 4 learners across four public primary schools in Zanzibar and Iringa region. The study focused on usability and acceptability rather than the clinical accuracy of the devices. Findings show that teachers, with brief training, were able to use both devices, though the Adjustable Hearing Screener and Fit Check device was preferred for giving more detailed information on decibel and frequency levels. Screening took 3–10 minutes per child once teachers gained confidence. Ambient noise, classroom setup, and limited training time were identified as the main practical challenges. The report recommends further testing of the device's sensitivity and specificity, longer training periods, and stronger links to referral and audiology services.