Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Pediatric diagnostic audiology testing in South Africa

7^th European Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery

September 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Selvarani Moodley

University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pediat Therapeut

Abstract :

Recognizing the importance of early identification and intervention is gaining momentum in developing countries. There has also been recognition of the ethical obligation to ensure access to diagnostic and intervention services for all children identified with hearing loss. Series should be equitable regardless of geographic or socioeconomic status. Many screening initiatives have been developed in South Africa, but there are limited studies on diagnosis of pediatric hearing loss. Diagnostic audiology records of 230 children enrolled in an early intervention programme were analyzed to determine processes used for diagnosis of pediatric hearing loss in South Africa, across the private and public healthcare sectors as well as across geographic regions. There were differences in audiology practice across regions and healthcare sectors. A full comprehensive diagnostic evaluation was unlikely to be completed. Diagnostic services for children with hearing loss are an area that needs extensive research (especially in a developing world context). Studies are needed so as to determine factors that are preventing adherence to best practice diagnostic audiology guidelines.

Biography :

Email: selvarani.moodley@wits.ac.za