SL2: Vision and Hearing Sub Study

COUNTRY

Sierra Leone

Background

Evidence suggests that uncorrected hyperopia (farsightedness) and hearing loss negatively affect children’s educational outcomes. While spectacle correction for myopia has been shown to improve academic performance, less is known about the prevalence and impact of hyperopia and hearing loss, particularly in rural African settings like Sierra Leone. Additionally, children with dual sensory impairments (both vision and hearing loss) face significant academic and social challenges, yet data on the prevalence and impact of dual sensory impairments are limited.

Trial design

SL2 is a school-based, cross-sectional study targeting 1,000 children aged 6-9 years in rural Sierra Leone. The study combines vision and hearing screenings with academic performance assessments.

Outcomes

The SL2 trial aims to answer the following key questions:

  • What is the prevalence of hyperopia, hearing loss, and dual sensory impairment among schoolchildren in rural Sierra Leone?
  • Can low-cost, lay-friendly screening tools accurately detect hearing loss and middle ear disease in this setting?
  • How does uncorrected hyperopia, hearing loss, and dual sensory impairment impact reading and numeracy performance?
  • Can community-driven, low-cost treatment pathways for managing hearing loss be implemented effectively?
  • Is it feasible to combine vision and hearing screenings in a school-based programme in terms of time, training, and cost-effectiveness?

Timeline

  • 12 months
  • Data collection estimated to end in Q1 2025
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