Perceptions of public primary school teachers regarding noise-induced hearing loss in South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundNoise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an increasingly growing problem in young children. This is attributed to recreational noise being the most common cause of this problem. In young children, hearing problems can delay language development and reduce academic achievements. South Africa, in particular, has limited information and protective measures regarding the conservation of hearing in school-aged children.ObjectivesThe main aim of the study was to determine the perception of primary school teachers regarding NIHL. The study also aimed to determine if any hearing conservation programmes are being implemented in schools and the need for training of primary school teachers regarding NIHL.MethodA survey was conducted. In order to cover the population of interest, the sampled schools in Pretoria were clustered into urban, semi-urban and rural areas.ResultsThe majority of the teachers included in this study are aware of NIHL and its effects. They, however, lack the necessary resources and knowledge to effectively use this information. Most (67.5%) of the teachers indicated that they have never been exposed to children with NIHL in a school setting. It was also found that the majority (84%) of the schools included in the study do not implement hearing screening and conservation programmes.ConclusionAlthough the sample size was limited, the results correlate with other research in this field indicating a need for planning and implementation of hearing conservation programmes in schools, including training of teachers in order for these programmes to be effective.

Knowledge and attitudes of early childhood development practitioners towards hearing health in poor communities

“…Unfortunately, limited knowledge currently exists on the views and knowledge of ECD practitioners on childhood hearing loss in LMICs. A recent study was conducted by Ehlert [17] in South Africa to determine the perceptions of primary school teachers regarding hearing loss. However this study focused on noise-induced hearing loss, revealing a need for hearing conservation programs in schools as well as training of teachers in order to be successful.…”

Power Transformer Spatial Acoustic Radiation Characteristics Analysis under Multiple Operating Conditions

“…Due to the power transformer noise may affect residents around in both physiological and psychological ways, interfering with basic activities such as sleep, rest, work, study, and communication [1,2], the noise emission levels are facing more stringent environmental noise standards [3]. Based on this, the theoretical method and practical measures about assessing power transformer noise levels and reducing the influence of noise has aroused general concern, which is especially noticed by the transformer manufacturers [4] and the operators of power grids [5].…”

Prevalence and Population at Risk for Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in Adolescent Students

“…Hearing loss is more common in men than women (Le et al 2017). The prevalence of NIHL in children and adolescents is increasing and impact on academic achievement (Martin et al 2006, Ehlert 2016. A study conducted in Iran on 1,500 Elementary School students showed that the prevalence of conductive hearing loss in boys was 8.8% and 7.1% in girls; this result was similar to sensorineural hearing loss of 1% in men and 0.7% in women (Absalan et al 2013).…”