Understanding identity construction among deaf adolescents and young adults: implications for the delivery of person and family-centered care in audiological rehabilitation.

Introduction: The provision of holistic person and family-centered care in the audiological rehabilitation of adolescents and young adults (AYA) requires in-depth consideration of identity construction. The purpose of this research study was to describe the lived experience of identity construction among deaf AYA. The thoughts, perceptions, and feelings of AYA on their identity and the processes underlying the construction of identity, with a focus on navigating disability, social relations and roles, community assimilation and self-perception were explored.

Person-centered care: preferences and predictors in speech-language pathology and audiology practitioners.

Introduction: Increasingly person-centered care (PCC) is being recognized as an important aspect of speech-language pathology and audiology (SLP/A) service delivery. This study aimed to (i) identify preferences toward PCC; (ii) determine predictors of these preferences; and (iii) describe the understanding and views of PCC among SLP/A in South Africa.

Methods: A mixed-method design was followed utilizing an online survey and four focus group discussions.

Identity construction among deaf adolescents and young adults: A literature review.

Background: Identity construction is an integral developmental task for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The intersection of deaf identity and disabling hearing loss (DHL) adds a layer to the complex process of identity construction.

Aim: This literature review highlights the self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA and seeks to understand how AYA with DHL forge these identities.

Is a hybrid of online and face-to-face services feasible for audiological rehabilitation post COVID-19? Findings from three public health patients.

Background:  The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has pushed many audiologists to incorporate remote service delivery methods to adhere to mandatory health and safety protocols. The use of tele-audiology for audiological rehabilitation may provide a sustainable, cost-effective modality to suit the existing need, particularly in low-resourced countries.

Objectives:  This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a hybrid tele-rehabilitation programme in a South African public health context.

Increasing unemployment rate amongst health professionals: Will there be jobs for newly graduated South African audiologists post-COVID-19?

Background:  Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020, the unemployment rate in South Africa was at its highest in history at 29.1%. During the COVID-19 pandemic to date, unemployment rose even higher to 35.

Rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss: evaluating the need relative to provision of hearing aids in the public health care system.

To determine the demand relative to supply of hearing rehabilitation through hearing aids for those with disabling hearing loss in a public health care setting in South Africa. Retrospective cross-sectional survey of medical records of all patients were seen at a public hospital (Polokwane Provincial Academic) during 2012-2014, was conducted. Audiological data from 3894 medical folders were accessed and reviewed; thereafter, results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.