Awareness of middle ear pathologies in South Africa: Towards a primordial preventive audiology.
Ben Sebothoma, Naledi Baloyi
PMID 39354796WHAT IT FOUND
Most people recognised ear itching and pain.
Very few knew about discharge, fullness, or risk factors like smoking. Few knew audiologists treat these issues. This gap can delay care, so therapists should check what patients know before assuming they will seek help.
Key findings
01Most participants recognised itching and pain as symptoms, but very few recognised discharge or fullness.
02Awareness of risk factors was generally poor, with only a minority recognising smoking, overcrowding, or trauma.
03Few participants knew audiologists assess middle ear problems, with most assuming general practitioners do.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Only 94 people were surveyed, so results may not apply to other areas. The survey was done in one rural community, which may differ from cities or other countries. People who were not at home when researchers visited were missed. The questions were mostly closed-ended, so people could not explain their answers in detail.
Declared interests
The research received no specific funding from any agency.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these results apply to your entire patient population. The study was small and done in one rural community. Also, low awareness of audiologists does not mean patients are refusing to see you. It may mean they do not know you treat middle ear issues.