Public awareness of audiology, hearing and hearing health in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Karin Joubert, Ben Sebothoma, Khomotjo S Kgare
PMID 29041791WHAT IT FOUND
Most rural South African adults did not know what audiologists do, yet many recognised hearing tests, ear infections and loud noise as concerns.
Health workers may need to explain audiology services and check ear cleaning practices.
Key findings
01Most participants (86%; n = 255) were not aware of the audiology profession.
02Most participants agreed that everyone's hearing can be tested regardless of age (92%; n = 273), but only 5% (n = 16) had previously visited an audiologist.
03Some participants reported ear practices: 12% (n = 37) insert oil for ear infections, and 64% (n = 190) of cotton bud users also use them when ears are itchy.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study measured what participants said they knew, not their actual hearing status or need for hearing health care. The questionnaire was developed by the research team and piloted for face and content validity. The sample came from four villages in one rural municipality, so the results may not apply to other parts of South Africa or to urban populations. Only one adult was selected from each household, and the sample was mostly female and unemployed, which may limit how well it represents whole communities. The paper includes author speculation that health care workers may not know audiology services are available, but that point was not measured.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the reported awareness percentages as evidence that any health education programme improves hearing outcomes. The study measured self-reported awareness in four rural villages, not hearing status, referral behaviour, or treatment effects.