Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a major global disease disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, but few studies have explored access to care for those with ear and hearing disorders.
Method: In a tertiary hospital in Cambodia providing specialist ear services, a mixed method study was undertaken. This study had three arms: (1) quantitative analysis of patients undergoing ear surgery, (2) a questionnaire survey and (3) semi-structured in-depth interviews.
Results: Patients presented with advanced middle-ear disease and associated hearing loss at rates that are amongst the highest per capita levels globally. Patients reported several structural, financial and socio-cultural barriers to treatment. This study showed a significant burden of ear disease in Cambodia, which reflects a delay in receiving timely and effective treatment.
Conclusion: This study highlights the opportunity to integrate effective ear and hearing care into primary care service provision, strengthening the package of activities delivered at government facilities.
Keywords: Cambodia; Health Policy; Health Services Accessibility; Hearing Loss; Otolaryngology.