SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS最新文献

{"title":"Brainstem auditory evoked responses: Objective hearing threshold assessment in Holstein cows.","authors":"Alida Naudé, Lize-Mari Erasmus, Liesl De Swardt, Juan Bornman, Este Van Marlé-Köster","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1047","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Animal audiology utilizes brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) as a non-invasive tool to assess hearing in animals, including Holstein dairy cows. Understanding cows' auditory capabilities is critical for their welfare, especially given their exposure to farm noise.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study provides preliminary normative BAER data for Holstein cows by focusing on absolute and interpeak wave latencies. The objective is to assess the impact of farm noise and expand audiologists' practice scope.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> Ten Holstein cows were tested using monoaural broadband click stimuli with contralateral masking. Earphones with foam ear tips were used to minimize environmental noise interference. The BAER responses were recorded via subdermal needle electrodes placed at standardized locations on the cows' heads. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics to determine auditory thresholds and wave latencies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The cows exhibited auditory thresholds at 90 dB SPL (55 dB nHL). Detailed wave and interpeak latencies were recorded at intensities from 85 to 105 dB SPL. At 90 dB SPL, the average latency for wave V was 5.17 ms, marking the auditory threshold for Holstein cows.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> These findings provide key insights into the auditory sensitivity of Holstein cows, highlighting BAER's potential for monitoring auditory health and evaluating the effects of noise pollution on animal welfare. This research underscores the value of integrating animal audiology into the audiologist's scope, ultimately enhancing both animal welfare and farming sustainability.Contribution: This study adds to the limited literature on farm animal auditory health and suggests strategies to improve welfare through better auditory management.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142567975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The outcomes of an audiological management programme for neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia.","authors":"Moleboge M Matshete, Samantha Govender, Sam T Ntuli","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1014","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Hyperbilirubinaemia is a contributing condition to the prevalence of neonatal hearing loss. Because of its pathophysiology, the use of Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) testing is essential in diagnosing hearing loss. Two-tier screening models are typically used in developing world contexts; however, a combined approach to testing (using both tests) should be used for early detection. Blood serum levels should also be monitored to determine how they impact audiological test results.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To determine the outcomes of using a combined testing approach of both OAE and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) for both screening and diagnostic testing of neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia and studying the relationship between the test results and the serum bilirubin levels.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A cross-sectional, comparative design was utilised. Forty neonates were tested (80 ears). Neonates underwent hearing screening and diagnostic testing (ABR and/or AABR and DPOAE tests). The study was conducted at a hospital in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> One-third (32.5%) of the neonates had comorbidities. Screening results indicated that the AABR test could identify more cases of abnormalities than DPOAEs (p = 0.001). Participants with a serum level greater than 10 mg/dL presented with abnormal diagnostic ABR test results while passing the DPOAE test (p  0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Combined use of ABR and DPOAE testing yielded a greater identification of auditory pathology than using either test alone. Serum bilirubin levels can be used as an indicator for combination testing.Contribution: Combined use of ABR and DPOAE testing leads to greater identification of auditory pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538040/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142568116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness of middle ear pathologies in South Africa: Towards a primordial preventive audiology.","authors":"Ben Sebothoma, Naledi Baloyi","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1026","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Public awareness of auditory pathologies, has been explored in the literature. However, there is limited evidence regarding public awareness of middle ear pathologies and their risk factors in South African communities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> The aim of this study was to describe public awareness regarding middle ear pathologies and their associated risk factors in the community of Giyani, Limpopo province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 94 adults aged 18 years and older living in Giyani, Limpopo province. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the data, while a Chi-squared test was used to determine if there is any association between awareness and independent variables with categorised outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Adults aged between 18 and 65 years participated in this study. Most participants were aware of aural itchiness (71.3%) and pain (35%) as symptoms related to middle ear pathologies. The use of cotton buds (51.1%) and other illnesses (35.5%) were primarily reported as risk factors for middle ear pathologies. There were varied responses with regard to awareness of which professionals manage middle ear pathologies, indicating a general lack of awareness. No statistically significant association was found between the dependent and independent variables (p  0.005).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The study indicated a general lack of public awareness regarding middle ear pathologies and their associated risk factors among Giyani community.Contribution: The study raises implications for public awareness campaign that educates communities about middle ear pathologies, risk factors and social determinants of health associated with these pathologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447560/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Student perspectives of simulated learning to improve their dysphagia management.","authors":"Skye N Adams, Kelly-Ann Kater, Jaishika Seedat","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1060","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The use of simulation to enhance knowledge translation and bridge the theoretical-clinical gap to enhance clinical training and competency in health professions has received mixed reviews in the literature.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This research examined student perspectives of a simulation laboratory in speech therapy to improve students' clinical competency when working with adults with communication and dysphagia impairments.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> An exploratory descriptive pilot study was conducted in 2022 with 16 third-year speech-language therapy students. This mixed-methods study involved students completing purposefully developed pre-and post-surveys to explore their experiences with simulated teaching and learning and their perceptions of confidence. Data were analysed using an independent t-test. Following the surveys, the students participated in a focus group discussion about their simulation experience, and data were analysed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Student ratings of clinical skills improved from pre to post-simulation significantly overall and across six out of the eight items. The focus group revealed insights into students' experiences, highlighting increased confidence, the benefits of making mistakes in a safe environment and improved preparedness to work with dysphagia in patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> While simulation serves as a valuable tool in enhancing clinical skills and building confidence, it must be used as an adjunct to real-life exposure and not as a replacement.Contribution: The integration of both simulated and real-life experiences is essential to provide a comprehensive and practical learning environment for students.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caregivers' expectations of their non-verbal autistic children in rural KwaZulu-Natal.","authors":"Fatima Haffejee, Jennifer A H Pahl, Saira B Karrim","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1049","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Caregiver expectations have been shown to impact child outcomes. There is limited research regarding caregivers of non-verbal autistic children in rural South Africa. Autistic individuals form part of a larger environment, which they influence and which impacts them. Caregivers form part of this environment.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aims to explore caregivers' expectations of communication, education, social implications and intervention for their non-verbal autistic child in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> Bronfenbrenner's ecological and bioecological systems theory framed the study and allowed the child's interaction with their environment to be understood through the use of a qualitative study design via interviews. Eleven caregivers (pilot study: n = 1 and main study: n = 10) of non-verbal autistic children were selected and interviewed. Data were analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Caregivers had varied expectations. Grandparents were often the primary caregivers (microsystem). Relationships within the mesosystem (caregiver and therapist) and caregiver's understanding affected their feelings and expectations that changed over time (chronosystem). Education was the predominant expectation. The study highlighted limited resources (schools) within the exosystem. Caregivers reported both support and judgement from their communities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> There is a need for public awareness, caregiver counselling and autism support groups in rural KZN and more specialised education options in order to improve caregivers' expectations.Contribution: This study contributes to the limited literature in the field of autism in South Africa, more specifically the rural context and communication disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447599/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"South African speech-language therapists' and audiologists' professional quality of life.","authors":"Victor M De Andrade, Cherilyn Da Silva, Nickey Israel","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1042","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Limited research is available regarding the professional quality of life experiences of South African speech-language therapists and audiologists, despite the implications this has for wellbeing, quality of patient care, productivity and attrition from the professions.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study explored levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress, the relationships between these, differences on the basis of registration and years of experience and participants' perceptions of their professional quality of life.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A sample of 92 South African speech-language therapists and audiologists completed an online survey that included the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variation (ANOVA), correlations and thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The findings indicated that participants experienced slightly higher levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout and slightly lower levels of compassion satisfaction than international samples. There were significant inter-relationships between the three elements of professional quality of life, and no significant differences for these on the basis of registration or years of experience. Participants identified a range of factors that contributed to their experiences of compassion satisfaction and fatigue, as well as suggestions for improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Professional quality of life plays an important role in South African speech-language therapists and audiologists' professionalism, job performance and satisfaction and retention.Contribution: The data collected provide valuable insights into the professional quality of life experiences of South African speech-language therapists and audiologists, as well as those working in similar contexts. It also offers suggestions that may contribute to future research and interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142113206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Continuing professional development barriers and recommendations: Perspectives of audiologists.","authors":"Suvishka Barath, Andrew J Ross","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1048","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Continuing professional development (CPD), a compulsory requirement of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), is undertaken by healthcare professionals (HCPs), including audiologists, to remain up-to-date with the latest developments, technology and best practices within their discipline. However, the low compliance rates of audiologists engaging in CPD need to be investigated to establish the barriers that audiologists encounter as well as possible interventions to improve their participation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to explore the barriers that audiologists encounter when participating in CPD activities and to highlight their suggestions for improving its uptake.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> The descriptive qualitative research design entailed the use of semi-structured online interviews with 11 audiologists practising within the private sector in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, their responses being thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Three barriers were identified, namely: (1) personal, (2) financial and (3) structural barriers, with eight subthemes and nine recommendations provided by participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> It is anticipated that implementing the proposed strategies will address the barriers and allow active engagement of audiologists in their continued education.Contribution: Limited literature has been documented on the barriers that young, private sector audiologists encounter within the South African context while also providing suggestions to address these barriers.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142113205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the feasibility of a tele-diagnostic auditory brainstem response service in a rural context.","authors":"Divhanani Sithi, Samantha M Govender, Thembelihle S Ntuli","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1020","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> There is a noticeable gap in access to audiology services in South Africa, and the gap is intensified in rural areas. Often, primary healthcare (PHC) facilities have an unequal ratio of audiologists to patients in need. Telehealth can expand the range of hearing healthcare services.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to determine whether, for infants, tele-diagnostic Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) assessment results conducted within a mobile clinic van are comparable to face-to-face diagnostic ABR results in rural Winterveldt, Pretoria North, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> The study utilised a quantitative, prospective cross-sectional comparative within-subject design. Each participant received both face-to-face and mobile tele-diagnostic ABR tests, which were then compared to evaluate the feasibility of mobile tele-diagnostic ABR testing. The Student's t-test was used to determine whether there was a difference between face-to-face and tele-diagnostic tests, and Bland -Altman plots were used to assess the level of agreement between the ABR testing results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> There was a strong correlation (p  0.001) between face-to-face and mobile tele-diagnostic ABR test results for both neurological and audiological ABR tests. The study found that there was no statistical significance between face-to-face and tele-diagnostic ABR measures; additionally, the results were within clinically acceptable and normative measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Tele-diagnostic ABR offered within a mobile clinic van is feasible as it produces similar and clinically acceptable results when compared to the traditional assessment method.Contribution: This feasibility study is a positive indicator that tele-diagnostic ABR testing through a mobile clinic van may be considered to accelerate the delivery of hearing healthcare services to the infant population in rural communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11304190/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Audiological profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.","authors":"Sakhile Nkosi, Vuyelwa Peter, Jessica Paken","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1035","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> South Africa shows a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes with reported association with auditory dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To describe the audiological profile of adults with this metabolic condition.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> Employing a descriptive research design, 35 individuals with type 2 diabetes, selected through purposive sampling, underwent a basic audiological assessment in addition to extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing and neurological auditory brainstem response (ABR) test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> This study revealed a 31.4% prevalence of hearing loss with 81.8% being sensorineural in nature. Poor hearing thresholds were observed at 16 kHz (n = 19; 54.3%), 18 kHz (n = 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n = 30; 85.7%) in the right ear and at 16 kHz (n = 20; 57.1%), 18 kHz (n = 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n = 30; 85.7%) in the left ear. Absent DPOAEs were observed at 6 kHz (n = 20; 51.7%) and 8 kHz (n = 24; 68.6%) in the right ear and at 6 kHz (n = 17; 48.6%) and 8 kHz (n = 29; 82.9%) in the left ear, possibly indicating that type 2 diabetes specifically targets higher frequency hearing. The ABR results revealed a delayed absolute latency of wave III bilaterally (right ear -69%; left ear - 51%), suggesting an impact of this metabolic disease on retro-cochlear pathways.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Hearing loss should be recognised as a comorbidity accompanying type 2 diabetes, which indicates the need for routine comprehensive audiological assessments to facilitate early detection and intervention.Contribution: The present findings have implications for audiology clinical protocols; diabetes related health policies and patient education.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11304386/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness, attitudes and perceptions of students towards leisure noise in Durban, South Africa.","authors":"Husna Mahomed, Seema Panday","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1040","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Young adults are exposed to high noise levels in leisure venues, which increases their risk of hearing loss, and can affect their quality of life.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> The aim of this study was to describe the young adults' awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards leisure noise at a university in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A descriptive cross-sectional study design with quantitative methods of data was considered for this study. Students from first to fourth years in the Education Department of a local university in Durban, South Africa, who were aged 18 years old - 25 years old were invited to participate in an online survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Of the 462 participants, most had a general awareness on noise and hearing loss but lacked knowledge on the negative effect of loud noise, with 95.2% using personal listening devices, followed by visiting restaurants and gyms, and 48.3% being unsure if noise can damage hearing permanently. They were unaware of methods to reduce their exposure to noise. A significant relationship between awareness of noise and attitudes (p = 0.029) indicated that the higher the level of awareness regarding leisure noise, the better their attitude and behaviour, thus the lower the risk of hearing loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The results highlight the need for implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) noise regulations and providing education for this age group to prevent irreversible hearing loss through exposure to leisure noise.Contribution: A national study is recommended to increase research evidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"71 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11220039/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141471442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}