Faculty of Humanities
School of Professional Social Sciences
Department of Communication Pathology
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
The communication profiles of young children (0-5 years) with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) led to an articl published in the South African Journal of Communication Disorders and a follow-up international article is planned for on the communication assessment framework proposed for children with FASD. Three presentations on this topic were conducted from 2009 to 2011. A seminar presentation was made at the annual Clinic for High Risk Infants and Babies seminar at the University of Pretoria, a conference paper was delivered at the Pan-African Early Childhood Development conference in Cape Town and a training workshop for multidisciplinary professionals for the NGO operation Upgrade was given in Plettenberg Bay. Future plans include a conference paper on the 3rd of May 2011 in New York City at the International Conference on Early Intervention
Contact person: Mrs MM Viviers.
The Vuvuzela was a unique and distinct feature of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup held in South Africa. In an attempt to document the possible public health risk posed by the noise levels produced by the Vuvuzel, Prof Swanepoel and collaborators conducted a series of investigations. The sound output of the Vuvuzela was determined along with the typical noise exposure levels of spectators during a premier soccer leagur match. In addition to these measurements the changes in auditory functioning was monitored in a group of spectators with test conducted before and after the match. Exposure levels exceeded limits of permissible average and peak sound levels. Significant changes in post-match hearing thresholds and cochlear responsiveness highlight the possible risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Public awareness and personal hearing protection should be prioritised as preventative measures.
Contact person: Prof DCD Swanepoel.
Hearing loss is the most prevalent chronic disability and a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Its effects are far-reaching and can lead to severely restricte developmental outcomes for children and limited vocational prospects for adults. The benefits of intervention are dramatic and can significantly improve developmental outcomes, especially in infants identified early. Hearing health-care services in developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa are however severely limited, leaving affected individuals without access to secondary and tertiary intervention. Tele-audiology has potential for improved access to specialist hearing health services including identification, diagnosis and intervention through the use of information and communication technologies. Several pilot projects are currently underway to demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of telemedicine models for bringing audiological services to underserved populations in South Africa and other countries in Africa. Initial results indicate equivalent findings for hearing assessments conducted through telemedicine models when compared to face-to-face assessments. At present no alternative strategy can offer the same potential reach for impacting the global burden of hearing loss in the near and foreseeable future
Contact person: Prof DCD Swanepoel.
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