For children with hearing impairment, access to communication can shape how they learn, interact with others and participate in their communities. Recognising the importance of communication and inclusion, Zambart and its partners are exploring how digital tools can contribute to better ear and hearing care, including through the development of a digital sign-language dictionary.
The work was highlighted during a partner visit held at the Zambart Head Office on 31 August 2026, which provided an opportunity for the study team and partners to review progress on the Community-Based Ear and Hearing Care research project and launch the digital sign-language dictionary.
The meeting was opened by Dr Kwame Shanaube, Zambart Executive Director and Deputy Director of Research of the study, who welcomed the partners and study team.
The four-year research project is focused on understanding the lived experiences of adults and children affected by chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). It also examines the attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of families, teachers and communities to help ensure that current and future interventions are sensitive and responsive to their needs.
The project supports a PhD student across each work package. The students presented their progress.
- The first presentation was done by Mwiche Sensenta, PhD Candidate examined the lived experiences of adults and children with CSOM.
- Dr. Racheal Hapunda, PhD Candidate presented findings and progress from the second work package, a randomised controlled trial investigating self-directed topical treatment for ear discharge among adults and children with CSOM.
- Nyashadzashe Marapira (2nd year PhD Candidate, BSMS), focused on a trial of a low-cost bone-conduction headset through a direct-to-consumer model. The intervention is part of the study’s wider efforts to explore accessible approaches to hearing support within communities.
- Mr. Chanchamnap SOK, PhD candidate, focused on the lived experiences of deaf children and the digital sign-language dictionary. The launch of the dictionary forms part of the project’s efforts to support communication and empower Deaf culture through an intervention designed with the needs of Deaf communities in mind.
Following the presentations, Professor Mahmood Bhutta, Overall Study PI led discussions on key issues, priorities, support requirements, timelines and next steps. The visit concluded with individual PhD supervisory sessions between students and supervisors.
Beyond the individual interventions, the research aims to strengthen access to essential ear and hearing health services at community level. It is evaluating the effectiveness and uptake of several approaches, including topical iodine for ear discharge in people with CSOM, low-cost bone-conduction headsets and digital sign-language dictionaries.
Through the Community-Based Ear and Hearing Care project, Zambart and its partners are working towards evidence-based approaches that can make essential ear and hearing services more accessible and responsive to the communities they serve.
In Zambia, the study is being conducted in Ipongo, Chibombo and Makululu and Katondo townships in Kabwe, where the research is generating evidence on community-based approaches to ear and hearing care.