The problems and inefficiencies within Africa’s healthcare space are well-documented, but rising connectivity and increased penetration of smartphones are starting to change the game. More than 37 million people suffer from permanent disabling hearing loss in Sub- Saharan Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the annual global costs related to hearing loss amount to $750 billion. Yet many of these hearing losses and their consequences are preventable.

Point-of-care diagnostic apps are playing a part by facilitating earlier detection and linkage to care. One such service is South African app hearScreen, developed by Professor De Wet Swanepoel and Dr Herman Myburgh at the University of Pretoria, now being used in 27 countries.