Early Intervention in Audiology: Exploring the Current Status from a Developing Country Context

Abstract

Aims: Analysis of the current audio logical management protocols for children with hearing impairment in South Africa’s Gauteng state hospitals was investigated in this study. Study Design and Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted, with 70 files/medical records of paediatric patients between the ages of birth and three years. These records came from three state hospitals’ audiology clinics where full audio logical and otological services were available. Results: Findings of this study revealed concerning trends. Firstly, findings indicated that on average children were identified with a hearing loss at 23.65 months. Secondly, they received amplification 7.11 months after diagnosis and were only introduced into aural rehabilitation at the average age of 31.2 months. However, 81% of children received appropriate audio logical tests; with 85.7% of children who were identified with a hearing loss receiving amplification. All children identified with a bilateral hearing loss in the current sample were aided bilaterally. As far as communication development was concerned, 48.57% of the children identified with a hearing loss received the auditory verbal therapy approach, with 18.57% receiving sign language as a means of communication, while 11.43% received a total communication approach. A significant number (14.29%) were not receiving aural rehabilitation therapy. Conclusion: Findings raise important implications for the success of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) initiatives in South Africa. Improved and concerted efforts in the form of systematic planning and implementation of EHDI protocols are required.