Section: 
Reviews
ReviewsRouting patients with hearing impairments in the context of digital transformation
D. Yu. Lipson (1), N. A. Daikhes (2), A. V. Shulaev (3), A. N. Daikhes (4)
(1), (2) National Medical Research Center of Otolaryngology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, 123182, Russian Federation, (3) Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, 420012, Russian Federation, (4) Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Children and Adolescents of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, 123242, Russian Federation
UDK: УДК 616.28-008.1-036.12-07:621.398:004.8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2026-2-107-113
ABSTRACT
Abstract. Hearing loss affects approximately 360 million people worldwide. Because of the high prevalence of ear and mastoid pathologies that cause it, the health risks associated with untreated hearing loss, as well as the socioeconomic costs, are steadily increasing. Digital technologies significantly improve early detection and patient referral. To improve accessibility, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness, widespread adoption of proven digital tools and retraining of physicians in digital health are recommended. Objective. To improve the effectiveness of treatment for patients with hearing loss by optimizing referrals in the context of the comprehensive implementation of digital technologies. Materials and methods. A literature review of publications from 2012 to 2025 was conducted. Data from the eLibrary, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Science Direct, and WHO reports databases were analyzed. This paper analyzes data on the epidemiology of hearing loss, organizational barriers to patient access to specialized otolaryngology care, the effectiveness of digital screening (mobile apps, audiometry, online tests), telemedicine, hybrid models, computational audiology using artificial intelligence, and the role of biomarkers and genomic approaches in patient routing. Results. According to WHO forecasts, by 2050, disabling hearing loss will affect 900 million people. The main barriers are a shortage of specialist physicians, low public awareness, limited availability of specialized care, and the high cost of rehabilitation. Digital tools demonstrate a sensitivity of 89–98% and a specificity of 76–93%, making it possible to reduce the proportion of patients requiring an in-person appointment to 13.8–34.8%, and improve early detection and routing. Biomarkers (NLR, PLR, fibrinogen, otolin 1, prestin) and personalized care based on genomics are promising. Conclusion. The main barriers remain the lack of qualified personnel and their insufficient training in digital healthcare. Implementing computational audiology, artificial intelligence, mobile screening, telemedicine, and hybrid models significantly improves the accessibility, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of medical care for patients with hearing loss. Widespread use of these technologies and retraining of specialists are recommended.
Publication date:
15.04.2026
Keywords:
hearing loss, screening, digital transformation, computational audiology, telemedicine, patient routing? For citation:
Lipson D. Yu., Daikhes N. A., Shulaev A. V., Daikhes A. N. Routing patients with hearing impairments in the context of digital transformation. Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2026;25(2):107-113. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2026-2-117-113