The current study aimed to explore the pathological vestibular symptoms presenting in a group of adults with HIV/AIDS in Johannesburg, South Africa. Design: A quantitative non-experimental research design was adopted where data was collected by means of a questionnaire with close-ended questions on 96 participants who were recruited from a teaching hospital's HIV/AIDS research unit. Analysis: Data were analysed through descriptive statistics. Results: Findings from the current study revealed that 17% of the sample studied presented with an occurrence of pathological vestibular symptoms. The most prominently reported pathological vestibular symptoms found were vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness and headaches. Of the participants experiencing vestibular symptoms, 69% reported experiencing co-occurring audiological symptoms. Collectively, these symptoms were found to have a significant effect on the participants' quality of life and their ability to work. Interestingly, however, current findings revealed that only 31% of the participants experiencing pathological vestibular symptoms had reported these symptoms to medical professionals.

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to explore the recommended fall risk assessment practices in audiology, identify audiologists' reported practices in fall risk assessment, and recognize the barriers and facilitators affecting fall risk assessment in clinical practice. Method: This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results: CINAHL, PubMed, and gray literature yielded 262 articles. A total of 27 full-text articles were included in this review article. An additional 16 scope of practice and guideline documents were also reviewed. Pertinent data and findings from the review were tabulated and analyzed using a qualitative, inductive approach. Conclusions: Results revealed that despite fall risk assessment measures and protocols being mentioned, discussed, and reportedly implemented clinically in audiology literature, many audiologists are not conducting fall risk assessments clinically. The main challenges presented appear to be due to limited guidance within audiology documentation and inadequate training and knowledge of audiologists on fall risk factors and measures. This review article highlighted that all audiologists have an important role to play in reducing the global crisis of falls in older adults. However, without further research to aid in the development of standardization of documentation and training programs, we may continue to see a lack of awareness and education on fall risk and on the audiologist's role in the screening and early detection hereof.

Aim: The current study aimed to explore the pathological vestibular symptoms presenting in a group of adults with HIV/AIDS in Johannesburg, South Africa.Design: A quantitative non-experimental research design was adopted where data was collected by means of a questionnaire with close-ended questions on 96 participants who were recruited from a teaching hospital’s HIV/AIDS research unit.Analysis: Data were analysed through descriptive statistics.Results: Findings from the current study revealed that 17% of the sample studied presented with an occurrence of pathological vestibular symptoms. The most prominently reported pathological vestibular symptoms found were vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness and headaches. Of the participants experiencing vestibular symptoms, 69% reported experiencing co-occurring audiological symptoms. Collectively, these symptoms were found to have a significant effect on the participants’ quality of life and their ability to work. Interestingly, however, current findings revealed that only 31% of the participants experiencing pathological vestibular symptoms had reported these symptoms to medical professionals.