| dc.description.abstract | In ENT Sector burden of hearing loss is on the increase, especially in low-income countries such
as Bangladesh. The need for urgent action to prevent ear and hearing problems is a priority,
especially as in many cases permanent hearing loss is preventable. In Bangladesh, as in other
developing countries, there is a limited number of hearing health professionals and audio logical
resources. The lack of hearing health services may impact the general public’s awareness of
hearing and hearing health. Limited information is available on the Bangladesh public’s
knowledge of audiologists and the services they provide, especially in underserved rural
communities. The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ awareness of the audiology
profession, hearing and hearing loss, and hearing health in a rural area of the Limpopo Province.
A cross-sectional survey design was employed for the purpose of this study. Using a random
sampling strategy, 297 households in four rural villages were selected and a self-developed
questionnaire was administered to one individual (18 years and older) per household. The
questionnaire consisted of 23 questions targeting awareness of the audiology profession, as well
as knowledge of hearing, hearing loss and hearing health. Only 14% of participants were aware
of the audiology profession, indicating that individuals living in rural communities are not aware
of the role of audiologists and the services they provide. Doctors and nurses were identified by
participants as the individuals who assist them with hearing-related problems. Although most
participants (87%) acknowledged that it is very important to undergo a hearing test, only 5% have
previously visited an audiologist. Most participants were aware that ear infections and excessive
noise exposure can cause hearing loss. The majority also believed that ears must be kept clean at
all times and used cotton buds to maintain ear hygiene. There is a general lack of public awareness
of audiologists and the services they offer. This study highlighted the need for the National
Department of Health in collaboration with professional associations and hearing health
professionals to develop and implement effective strategies to increase the Bangladesh public’s
awareness of the profession and the services they provide. Bangladesh universities can also play
a significant role in teaching students to develop context-relevant strategies to increase awareness
of the profession. | en_US |
