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Masters Degrees (Audiology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6729

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Audiology) by Author "Govender, Samantha Marlanie."

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    The auditory effects of occupational exposure to chemical solvents.
    (2016) Nakhooda, Faatima.; Govender, Samantha Marlanie.
    Recently emerging literature indicates that the combination of solvents and noise have the potential to cause auditory dysfunction. There is limited literature available relating to the effects of SIHL exposure on the auditory system and this highlights the need for this study. The study firstly aimed to determine the combined effects of exposure to solvents and noise on auditory function in workers by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study further aimed at profiling the audiological results of a group of workers exposed to a variety of solvents at various exposure levels within high and low noise factories. A longitudinal prospective research design was used. The researcher collected data at multiple follow-up times over a six month period to obtain multiple measurements on each worker. The final study sample comprised of 12 workers. Results: Aim one: Heterogeneity was assessed in the selected studies by using the I2 test. Results revealed that significantly higher odds (p=0.006) of acquiring hearing loss when workers are exposed to a combination of solvents and noise as opposed to solvents only. Aim two: Participants were exposed to noise and solvents within the limits, however, pure tone threshold results revealed that all workers experienced hearing loss at 12KHz with a mean of 45dB across all the phases. Results for DPOAEs revealed that all workers had reduced amplitudes across all three phases with the exception of one pass result at one phase for one worker. When pure tone thresholds and OAEs were compared, the statistics indicated that there were no significant differences (p=0.68 and p =0.38) between pure tone audiometry and DPOAEs. The sample size of the study was too small to yield significant results. Participants reported on various symptoms experienced from exposure to solvents dizziness, headaches and blurry eyes. The present study supports that exposure to solvents may increase the risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure. The researcher recommends that industries should prioritize noise and solvent reduction to prevent hearing loss and the audiologist‟s role within audiological monitoring of solvent induced hearing loss is emphasized.
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    Auditory Processing Disorders in children : the perspectives and practices of South African audiologists/STA's.
    (2015) Fouché-Copley, Claire.; Khan, Nasim Banu.; Govender, Samantha Marlanie.
    Audiologists/ Speech Therapists and Audiologists (STA’s) practicing in the field of Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) globally, encounter several challenges that include but are not limited to conflicting definitions, variable diagnostic criteria, several classification profiles and lack of standardised guidelines for screening, assessment and intervention. In South Africa, audiologists/ STA’s experience further challenges related to working within a diverse multicultural and multilingual context when attempting to manage children with APD. This study investigated the perspectives and practices of South African audiologists/ STA’s in screening, assessing and providing intervention for children with APD. A descriptive survey design, with quantitative methods of analysis, was used to obtain information from audiologists/ STA’s registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA, 2014), of which 156 responded. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Overall 68% (n = 106) of the participants did not feel adequately prepared to practice in the field of APD. Seventy five percent (p = 0.00) of audiologists and 35% of STA’s reported their level of experience as being ‘limited’, which was statically significant. Forty percent (n = 62) of the sample felt that they were either ‘poorly’ or ‘very poorly’ informed to screen for APD, 44% (n = 68) to assess for APD, and 53% (n = 82) to provide intervention. Sixty percent (n = 93) screened for APD, whilst only 42% (n = 66) assessed for APD. Some of the reasons cited include; lack of exposure to APD during their undergraduate programme, inappropriate screening and assessment material due to cultural and linguistic barriers and limited resources to manage children with APD. Eighty five percent (n = 133) received referrals from other practitioners for the management of APD, yet only 43% (n = 67) of the participants offered intervention. Similar findings were reported in studies conducted locally and internationally. It can therefore be concluded that service provision in the area of APD in South Africa, is limited which is exacerbated by several contextual constraints. Based on the study findings of the current study, relevant research and clinical implications were recommended.