SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS最新文献

{"title":"Newborn and infant hearing screening outcomes at a tertiary paediatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Silva Kuschke, Cheri Van Zyl, Mmakgotso Mokete, Lebogang Ramma","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1168","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Despite national guidelines, newborn and infant hearing screening (NIHS) is not universally implemented in South Africa, with scarce data on programme outcomes within the public health sector.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To describe NIHS outcomes and implementation patterns at a tertiary paediatric hospital in the Western Cape.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A retrospective record review of the audiology database and hospital records was conducted at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital between August 2019 and August 2024. Of 7871 children under 6 years, 511 (6.5%) documented NIHS results and were included. Descriptive statistics summarised demographics, risk factors, referral sources, screening methods, and diagnostic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Neurological (41.1%) and infectious (25.2%) risk factors related to hearing loss were most prevalent. The mean age of initial screening was 16.3 months, and the mean age of diagnosis was 15.6 months, which is earlier than prior South African reports but substantially later than 1-3-6 benchmark and 2-4-8 benchmark. Most referrals originated from tertiary facilities (60.7%) versus primary healthcare centres (10%). Initial screening (68.7%) employed otoacoustic emissions (45.2% referral rate). Repeat screening, predominantly with automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) (59.9%), reduced referrals to 1.1%. Diagnostic testing (n = 110) showed 40% normal hearing, 20% conductive losses, and a predominance of mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Hearing screening in this tertiary setting remains delayed, resource-dependent, and disproportionately tertiary-centred.Contribution: This study's results highlight the need to expand primary-level hearing screening, increase AABR use, and adopt standardised protocols to improve timely detection and intervention of hearing loss in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13243893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158495","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":"Communication experiences of deaf and hearing-impaired competitive swimmers and their coaches in South Africa.","authors":"Dhanashree Pillay, Caitlin Lewington","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1142","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Effective communication between deaf swimmers and their coaches is vital for the athlete. Swimmers who wear amplification devices are often disadvantaged when engaging in the sport, as the devices cannot be worn, thereby impacting communication.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To explore the communication experiences between deaf and hearing-impaired (D and HI) competitive swimmers and their coaches.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> An exploratory phenomenological qualitative research design using online questionnaires was utilised. Non-probability, purposive sampling was employed to select 11 participants (eight D and HI competitive swimmers and three coaches).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Facilitators of effective communication included lip reading, the use of specific made-up signs and writing. Made-up signs are utilised; however, Sign Language was not considered to be the main form of communication because of the lack of knowledge by coaches, thus making communication difficult for swimmers who use Sign Language as their first language. Not being able to wear amplification devices when swimming and the lack of visual-based alerting systems in the swimming arena were identified as barriers. Communication between D and HI swimmers and a deaf coach was described as 'seamless', as an understanding of communication modes is established while working together. Inclusivity in the swimming environment is evident; however, there are instances where D and HI swimmers feel isolated.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Communication experiences within the swimming environment included challenges and barriers for both groups of participants. The coach's relationship with the D and HI swimmer plays a major role in the effectiveness of communication.Contribution: Fostering positive relationships between coaches and D and HI swimmers is mutually beneficial. Audiologists can play a role in encouraging and facilitating communication strategies with such sports men and women.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844205","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":"Addendum: Reliability of nurse-administered infant hearing screening using otoacoustic emissions.","authors":"Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Andrew J Ross","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1177","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>No abstract applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149803/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844207","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":"Noise exposure burden and hearing protection compliance among Saudi military personnel: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ahmad A Alanazi, AlHanouf N Alhathal, Abrar M Almutairi, Nada S Alrawdhan, Maryam A Alrashied","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1170","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) results from prolonged or intense exposure to loud sounds, causing permanent auditory damage often accompanied by tinnitus, reduced hearing sensitivity and difficulty understanding speech. Use of appropriate hearing protection is essential to minimizing exposure, preventing cochlear injury and reducing the long-term impact of NIHL.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to assess noise exposure experiences, their effects on hearing sensitivity and the use of hearing protection among Saudi military personnel.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> This cross-sectional study used a self-administered Arabic questionnaire developed after a literature review and consultation with a focus group. Copies were distributed to military personnel visiting the audiology clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh from 2024 to 2025 and shared via social media nationwide. The questionnaire included 14 items across three sections: demographics, experience with noise exposure and hearing protection and awareness of noise-related impacts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> A total of 256 participants completed the questionnaire; the majority were male (97.3%), lived in Riyadh (85.2%), and were aged 31 years-40 years with a high school education. Most reported no hearing loss across years of experience and exposure to loud sound sources. Notably, 130 participants (50.8%) did not use hearing protection despite being aware that loud noise can cause hearing loss and tinnitus (p = 0.01). Significant associations were found between reported hearing loss and involvement in shooting or use of weapons (p = 0.01) as well as noise source types (p = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Although most participants were aware of the harmful effects of loud noise and related symptoms, only one-third consistently used hearing protection. Training to enhance awareness of NIHL risks, along with periodic hearing assessments for early detection, is recommended.Contribution: This study highlights a gap between awareness of noise-induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protection among Saudi military personnel. It identifies weapon-related noise exposure as associated with reported hearing loss, emphasizing the need for targeted hearing conservation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844162","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":"Decolonising audiology education: Epistemic barriers and opportunities for Black African students.","authors":"Musa Makhoba, Sarasvathie Reddy, Mershen Pillay","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1152","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> In South Africa, the Audiology curriculum remains rooted in Eurocentric epistemologies that do not reflect the lived realities, languages and cultural knowledge systems of Black African First-Language Speaking (BAFLS) students. This study responds to national calls for epistemic transformation in health sciences education, including Audiology.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study examined the epistemological challenges encountered by BAFLS Audiology students at the University of Interest (UoI). Our objectives were to explore how the BAFLS students experience accessing and navigating the undergraduate Audiology curriculum and recommend interventions to address the identified challenges.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological design informed the methods adopted. Ten purposively selected BAFLS graduates from the UoI participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Cowen's Logical Model of Curriculum Development (LMCD) framed the data generation and analysis. A decolonial perspective emerged naturally in the interpretation of the findings, based on the experiences reported, which the authors incorporated into the discussion of the recommendations for improvements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Thematic analysis revealed a lack of alignment between some of the curriculum content taught and the realities of Audiology practice in African contexts. Assessment practices were experienced as biased and failing to account for the students' linguistic and cultural diversity. Experienced linguicism, racism and classism contributed to surface learning and graduates feeling underprepared to provide contextually relevant and Afrocentric professional care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The undergraduate Audiology curriculum at the UoI needs a fundamentally transformative redesign towards being more Afrocentric and epistemologically inclusive towards BAFLS students.Contribution: This study provides a pathway towards the decolonisation of the Audiology curriculum by identifying specific challenges to be addressed urgently to improve its epistemic inclusivity towards BAFLS students, who currently feel marginalised.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844152","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":"Promoting awareness of open access publishing in speech-language therapy and audiology: Lessons from multilingual language assessment research.","authors":"Juan Bornman, Mellissa Bortz, Anita Edwards, Brenda Louw, Jeannie Van der Linde","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1150","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Access to speech-language therapy (SLT) and audiology (AUD) research is critical for clinicians, researchers, policymakers and the public to fulfil the professional scope of practice, support advocacy and enable evidence-based service delivery. However, research locked behind paywalls disproportionately limits access for underserved communities and for clinician-researchers seeking tools in languages with scarce resources. Limited access to clinically applicable research disproportionately affects individuals needing SLT and/or AUD services in under-resourced languages and populations, where contextualised, high-quality evidence is most needed. The authors advocate for open access (OA) publishing as a critical strategy to improve access to research in SLT and AUD. Open access publishing promotes more equitable dissemination of information, potentially fostering inclusion, innovation and informed clinical decision-making. This perspective calls for the clinician-researcher to become aware of the different OA models and how to access their benefits. Furthermore, we encourage advocacy amongst key stakeholders, highlighting how collaborative efforts may strengthen the move towards increased OA publishing.Contribution: This article contributes to the growing dialogue on decolonising knowledge and democratising access within the health sciences. By promoting OA publishing, the fields of SLT and AUD can help dismantle structural inequities in knowledge dissemination, support local and global clinical relevance and improve the quality of service for multilingual and underserved communities worldwide. We specifically call on South African clinician-researchers to engage with OA opportunities and collaborate in sharing clinicallyapplicable findings, including implementation guidance, outcome evidence, and contextual considerations for assessment and intervention in South African languages.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595095","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":"Impact of hearing aid usage on the quality of life of the older adult in KwaZulu-Natal.","authors":"Zahra Mansoor, Xoliswe Mchunu, Nkos'Kwanele Mthembu, Simangaliso B Ngwenya, Thabile Thwala, Jessica Paken","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1134","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Despite the benefits of hearing aids for patients experiencing presbycusis, their adoption and consistent use in this population remain low.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study explores older adults' experiences with hearing aid use to better understand its perceived impact on the quality of life (QoL) and factors contributing to inconsistent use.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> Adopting a phenomenological approach, semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with eight current hearing aid users, aged 67-84 years, presenting with varying degrees of hearing loss. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The findings revealed four key themes with three sub-themes each, highlighting a perceived positive impact of hearing aid usage on participants' QoL. Improved hearing enhanced communication with family and friends, reduced social isolation and fostered greater participation in social activities. Reduced anxiety and frustration enhanced emotional well-being. Challenges included initial resistance to hearing aids, adaptation difficulties and specific listening environment issues. Socioeconomic factors, such as transportation costs, posed significant barriers for individuals without medical aid coverage, limiting access to audiological services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Hearing aid use was perceived to enhance the QoL of older adults by improving social interactions, emotional well-being, cognition and listening comfort. However, uptake remains low because of resistance, adaptation challenges, technological difficulties and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing these barriers through patient education, improved service delivery, and research is essential to allow for an improvement in one's QoL.Contribution: This study provides insights into understanding factors influencing hearing aid usage in older adults who may have unique experiences and challenges related to hearing health.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147345467","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' perceived competencies and use of Makaton.","authors":"Chriséle Mc Geer, Carmen Milton, Carlien Vorster, Marien Graham","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1154","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v73i1.1154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Makaton, an unaided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) method, is widely used by speech-language therapists (SLTs) in diverse clinical and educational settings. Despite its applicability across populations with complex communication needs, limited research has explored how South African SLTs perceive, use and experience Makaton. This gap is significant given South Africa's multilingual context, resource disparities and the need for culturally relevant AAC strategies.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to explore South African SLTs' perceived competencies and use of Makaton.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> This study employed a mixed-methods design. An online survey comprising closed- and open-ended questions was distributed to SLTs across South Africa. A total of 57 participants were included in the study. Quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> While 87.7% of participants viewed Makaton as valuable, only 5.5% reported feeling very confident using it. No statistically significant difference between recommending Makaton to parents and team members (Wilcoxon signed-rank [WSR] = -1.386, p = 0.166). Four themes captured Makaton's perceived value: (1) multimodal communication, (2) accessibility and practicality, (3) support for speech and language development and (4) inclusion and social interaction. Reported challenges included: (1) limited awareness and training, (2) financial and/or resource constraints, (3) poor consistency and carryover, (4) motor and/or cognitive limitations and (5) cultural and regional mismatches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> While Makaton is positively regarded by SLTs, limited training, confidence and implementation support hinder consistent use.Contribution: Expanding access to training and embedding Makaton in professional education may enhance AAC service delivery in the multilingual South African context.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"73 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969690/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147343597","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":"Exploring final-year nursing students' experiences in dysphagia management at an Eastern Cape University.","authors":"Amanda Shusha, Siya C Zingaye, Esona Phundulu, Awonke Ngqina, Refiloe V Masinge, Khomotjo S Kgare","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v72i2.1135","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v72i2.1135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for effectively assessing and managing dysphagia. With nurses as key players in healthcare, there is limited knowledge about nursing students' experiences and exposure to dysphagia as part of their undergraduate training.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To explore the experiences of final-year nursing students at a university in the Eastern Cape regarding dysphagia management.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 final-year nursing students who had prior exposure to dysphagia management. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and identify key themes in the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Four main themes emerged: (1) confidence and knowledge, (2) clinical exposure, (3) current dysphagia management practices and (4) development of clinical skills. The participants expressed varying levels of theoretical knowledge and clinical exposure regarding dysphagia management, with the majority reporting that the focus in their lectures was on the insertion of a nasogastric tube as part of dysphagia management. Exposure to dysphagia depended on which ward the students were placed in during the clinical training. There was notably limited knowledge among participants on the role of speech therapists in dysphagia management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The expressed knowledge gaps and limited clinical exposure hindered nursing students' confidence and competence in dysphagia management.Contribution: This study highlights the importance of reevaluating the way dysphagia is taught to nursing students. By providing more theoretical and practical exposure and integrating interprofessional education, nursing students' knowledge, confidence and practice in dysphagia can be improved.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"72 2","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12712718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145769414","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":"Incidence and nature of functional voice disorders.","authors":"Yusra M Bhaila, Jeannie Van der Linde, Carmen Milton, Marien A Graham","doi":"10.4102/sajcd.v72i1.1117","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajcd.v72i1.1117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Functional voice disorders (FVDs) result from inefficient vocal use without an organic cause and have an underreported incidence.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to investigate the incidence and nature of FVDs among treatment-seeking patients at a private interdisciplinary voice clinic in Pretoria, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A retrospective quantitative design was used to analyse data from 86 patients diagnosed with FVDs between January 2017 and July 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The incidence rate of FVDs was 16.67% among 516 patients with voice disorders. The primary diagnosis was muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), affecting 80.2% of cases. The most common secondary diagnosis was laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR) at 39.5%. Hoarseness was the most reported symptom. No significant differences were found between occupational and non-occupational voice users.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The findings clarify the incidence and nature of FVDs in the South African context.Contribution: It underscores the need for greater awareness of FVDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as future research on prevention and management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44003,"journal":{"name":"SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS","volume":"72 1","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13150385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145769424","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}