UKZN Audiology students and staff organised a health promotion and screening programme on the Westville campus quad, displaying various hearing protection devices, equipment, and models of the ear to mark World Hearing Day (March 3).
They distributed pamphlets in English and isiZulu to inform the University community about hearing loss and how to manage it.
A lot of interest was shown by students generally and those requiring follow-up services were referred to the Discipline of Audiology student clinic or local clinics.
The programme focused on young adults because there is an increased threat of hearing loss among young people worldwide, with more than a billion at risk due to continuous and unsafe listening habits when using sound devices. Campaigns and programmes are encouraged to educate young people about the hazardous effects of leisure noise on their hearing.
With hearing loss being a growing concern around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that more than 2.5 billion people will have hearing loss by the year 2050, despite the fact that over 60% of hearing loss can be managed early at a primary level of care.
This year, the theme was Ear and Hearing Care for All, advocating for strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) services related to ears and hearing. The objective was to share information about hearing loss and encourage individuals to seek ear care services.
UKZN’s Discipline of Audiology runs a student clinic, and those who require hearing testing and services are welcome to contact Mrs Roshnie Naidoo for an appointment.
To learn more about the Discipline of Audiology programmes and services, visit the Audiology web page.
