Audiologists' Perceptions of Hearing Healthcare Resources and Services in South Africa's Public Healthcare System.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hearing loss poses a significant burden globally. Its prevalence is exceptionally high in countries across the African region, where healthcare resources and services remain inaccessible. This study aimed to describe audiologists' perceptions regarding hearing healthcare resources and services within South Africa's public healthcare system.

Methods

A national self-developed telephonic survey was conducted with audiologists in public healthcare system hospitals across South Africa, with the final sample comprising 100 audiologists.

Results

Most (82%) audiologists indicated that their hospitals did not have adequate hearing healthcare resources to render efficient audiology services to patients. Binaural amplification devices (invasive and non-invasive) for a

SUBMITTER: Bhamjee A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9661562 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature