Rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss: evaluating the need relative to provision of hearing aids in the public health care system

Disability and Rehabilitation
Vera-Genevey Hlayisi, Lebogang Ramma

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the demand relative to supply of hearing rehabilitation through hearing aids for those with disabling hearing loss in a public health care setting in South Africa. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional survey of medical records of all patients were seen at a public hospital (Polokwane Provincial Academic) during 2012-2014, was conducted. Audiological data from 3894 medical folders were accessed and reviewed; thereafter, results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 3894 medical folders reviewed, two-third (62%, n = 2402) were diagnosed with hearing loss, mostly bilaterally (81%). More than 30% of all patients diagnosed with hearing loss were ≤10 years old. Sensorineural (permanent) hearing loss was diagnosed most often (38%, n = 913) and 74% (n = 1778) of hearing losses diagnosed were of moderate or worse severity (i.e., disabling loss). Hearing aids were fitted to only 15% (n = 272) of those diagnosed with disabling hearing loss and most hearing aid fittings were to low-income adult patients (≥25 years old) with more severe-profound hearing losses. Conclusions: This study showed that the need for hearing aids to provide hearing rehabilitation far exceeds the supply. Therefore, a mul...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 6, 2020·International Journal of Audiology·Aislyn OrjiTheo Vos
Jan 13, 2021·International Journal of Audiology·Bhavisha ParmarWakisa Mulwafu
May 1, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Qhayiya MagaqaSarah Polack
Dec 25, 2021·Assistive Technology : the Official Journal of RESNA·Jamie DanemayerCathy Holloway

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