4th-year projects

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/107873

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Exploring the relationship between reduced sound tolerance, sensory processing disorder, and auditory processing disorder in children : a scoping review
Mapholi, Andanani; Snyman, Anneke; Prinsloo, Bianca; Wazara, Idaishe (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Introduction: Reduced sound tolerance, sensory processing disorder (SPD), and auditory processing disorder (APD) can have significant adverse effects, particularly on communication in children. As a result, investigating the relationship between reduced sound tolerance and SPD, with a focus on APD, may lead to important discoveries that could contribute to the development of targeted intervention strategies. Objective: The main purpose of this scoping review was to comprehensively explore the existing literature to allow for the determination of the relationship between these conditions, and identifying gaps in research. Study design: A scoping review was used to conduct this study. A data extraction form was utilized to acquire information from articles that met the inclusion criteria set by the authors. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were applied during a structured search for articles in five different electronic databases with information on reduced sound tolerance and sensory processing disorder in children. Keywords comprised of "Auditory Processing Disorder", "Sensory Processing Disorder", "reduced sound tolerance", "hyperacusis" and "children". The electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published from the 20th of June to the 25th of August. The opinion of two experienced researchers was used throughout the data collection process. All authors received identical library training to reduce discrepancies in data extraction. All four authors extracted the data and two researchers assessed the relevance and applicability of the data that was obtained. The data was analysed and key characteristics from each study were highlighted using a narrative synthesis approach. Results: Seven articles were included in the review. All the studies provided information regarding reduced sound tolerance in children with APD or SPD. The studies highlighted a relationship between reduced sound tolerance and APD in children. APD and hyperacusis were seen to co-occur in three out of the seven studies found, with one study reporting a 70.9% prevalence of hyperacusis in children with APD. Another study indicated that speech in noise training might improve auditory processing and sound tolerance in children with SPD. Conclusion: A notable overlap between reduced sound tolerance and SPD has been highlighted in the findings. This scoping review brought relevant information to light but also emphasized the gaps in the literature and the need for a more comprehensive analysis of the relationship between reduced sound tolerance and SPD, specifically focusing on APD.
Factors influencing hearing aid selection : a qualitative user perspective
Bosse, Charlize; Joseph, Kiara; Visser, Susan-Jane; Croucamp, Anné; Schnepel, Anke; Mathebula, Tintswalo (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Purpose: This study explored key factors that influence adult hearing aid users’ choice of hearing aids. Method: A cross-sectional, retrospective qualitative research design was employed using content analysis of semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from the HearingTracker and Lexie Hearing user database. Results: A total of 40 participants with an average age of 65 (14.6 SD) years were included. The majority were bilateral, behind-the-ear (82.5%) hearing aid users that obtained their device from a hearing health care professional (90%). Four categories with 13 sub-categories were identified that influenced hearing aid selection which included i) Device Characteristics ii) External Factors, iii) Device form-factor and iv) Sound quality. The most prominent category was device characteristics which included the following sub-categories: cost, bluetooth-connectivity, self-adjustment, general features, and rechargeability. External factors (n=24) included audiologist recommendations, online informational resources, and the lifestyle of the patient with device form-factor was linked to physical attributes of the hearing aid and included cosmetics, comfort and style (n=12) of the device. Sound quality (n=11) included natural sound perception and music appreciation. Conclusion: Key considerations such as the device characteristics, external factors, device form-factor and sound quality of the device influenced the selection of a hearing device. Our findings emphasize the need for convenient, technologically advanced features and suggest future research should focus on the role of online resources and emerging technologies. Collaboration between hearing healthcare professionals and manufacturers to address individualized needs will improve the selection process and boost future satisfaction.
Test-retest reliability of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials with a B81 bone conductor
Boyens, Kaylee; Coetzee, Marli; Saban, Aakifah; Victor, Anome (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability of cervical and ocular vestibular myogenic potentials (VEMPs) evoked by a 500 Hz narrowband (NB) CE-Chirp conducted through a B81 Bone Conductor. Design: This study employed a quantitative, exploratory research design. A within-participant, within-session, and between-session reliability analysis was conducted. Twenty participants (10 female, 10 male) were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods, with screening processes ensuring normal middle ear, hearing, and vestibular function. Data collection involved repeated testing sessions, with statistical analyses applied to assess the reliability of the recorded VEMP responses. The latency, amplitude and asymmetry of the VEMPs elicited at 55 dB nHL bone conduction (BC) CE-Chirp. Study Sample: The study population consisted of participants aged 18 to 60, with normal middle ear, hearing, and vestibular system functioning were recruited from the researchers' network of family and friends. Results: The Shapiro-Wilk test confirmed the use of non-parametric statistics. No significant differences were observed in P1 latency, N1 latency, or P1-N1 amplitude between ears or genders for both cVEMP and oVEMP parameters, allowing data to be pooled. The Friedman test revealed significant differences across variables (p<0.001) particularly between Test 1 and Test 3, with the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test identifying significant differences (p<0.05) in P1-N1 amplitude, asymmetry ratio, and P1/N1 latencies. Spearman’s correlation coefficients showed moderate within-session reliability but very poor between-session reliability for both cVEMP and oVEMP parameters. Conclusions: The B81 bone conducted CE-Chirp c- and oVEMPs proved to be reliable in within- and between-session testing regarding P1-N1 amplitudes and asymmetry ratio.
Caregivers’ perspectives of a linguistically and contextually adapted early childhood developmental milestone guide for children (birth to 3 years 11 months)
Bahadoor, Zeneera; Masekela, Mbali M.N.; Masule, Kabuba Hendrietta; Molongoana, Palesa N. (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Objective: This study aimed to determine the perspectives of caregivers of young children (birth to 3 years 11 months) regarding an international developmental milestone guide, recently contextually and linguistically adapted for South African families from low-resourced contexts. Method: A mixed method research design with both qualitative and quantitative aspects were employed. A semi-structured interview was conducted using an interview schedule which had open-ended questions in order to gain insight on the perspectives of caregivers and closed-ended questions. A pilot study with three participants was conducted to refine the interview schedule prior to data collection. The perceptions of 18 caregivers of children aged between birth to 3 years 11 months were analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative aspects were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of the themes derived from the caregivers’ feedback demonstrated that the adapted developmental milestone guide was helpful and supportive of developmental literacy. Based on participant feedback, 7 of the 46 items in the adapted developmental milestone guide were further amended, and an additional domain on feeding skills was added. Four themes were identified from the participants’ responses to the guide, including accessibility, linguistic complexity and diversity, developmental literacy, and contextual relevance. All the participants indicated that they want access to the guide. Conclusion: The recently adapted developmental milestone guide for the South African context was reported to be relevant and to promote developmental literacy among caregivers of very young children. Further adjustments will be made based on the caregivers' perspectives to the linguistic complexity in order to make the adapted developmental milestone guide more comprehensible.
Specialised medical professionals’ perspectives on oral feeding of infants and young children receiving high flow oxygen
De Aguiar, Tatiana; Lange, Gabriela; Lilje, Claudia; Stevens, Shanae (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Background: Current research on the safety of oral feeding in infants and young children receiving high-flow oxygen therapy is limited, with differing views on decision-making in these cases. Aim: The aim was to explore perspectives of specialised medical professionals in South Africa regarding oral feeding practices of young children receiving high-flow oxygen therapy. Method: A 40-item electronic survey was completed by 37 South African specialised medical professionals. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: The findings revealed varied perspectives on oral feeding practices for infants and young children on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy, with greater caution towards nCPAP due to higher perceived aspiration risks. Participants indicated a lack of guidelines (n=32; 97.0%) to follow regarding feeding practices with this population, with varied perspectives on oral feeding when on high-flow oxygen. Decisions are often made individually (n=15; 44.1%), but rarely made by a team. A cautious feeding approach monitoring clinical signs of aspiration was often (n=25; 78.1%) recommended with limited informal (n=13; 38.2%) and instrumental (n=12; 35.0%) assessment available and inconsistent SLT collaboration (n=9; 24.3%) despite access to SLT services (n=34; 79.4%). Conclusion: The study underscores varied approaches to oral feeding in infants and young children on high flow oxygen therapy among South African specialised medical professionals. The lack of research and established guidelines, and inconsistent use of formal measures to assess feeding, and limited multidisciplinary decisions are highlighted.
The importance of the audiologist during the hearing aid journey
Hajat, Aaliah; Ebrahim, Farzeen; Kaka, Zainub; Noor, Kulsoom; Mbatha, Faith (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Objective: This study aimed to understand hearing aid user perspectives on the importance of the audiologist in the hearing aid journey and their perceived ability to fit and adjust to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Design: A qualitative analysis design was utilised with secondary data from an existing data set of responses from semi-structured interviews. Study sample: Adults who were unilateral or bilateral hearing aid users from the United States were recruited through the Hearing Tracker and Lexie Hearing databases. Forty-one participants with an average age of 69 years (SD = 11.72) participated in the virtual interviews. Results: The analysis revealed that the majority of participants considered an audiologist as important (n= 30), citing support, customisation, and information counselling as critical elements in their hearing aid journey. A minority viewed audiologists as less important (n= 8), due to negative experiences such as impersonal care or preferring self-reliance. In terms of OTC hearing aids, opinions were divided, with some participants open to self-fitting, appreciating the costeffectiveness (n= 15), while others expressed concerns about their inadequacy (n= 25), especially in cases of severe hearing loss and a lack of confidence in self-fitting. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant role audiologists play in the hearing aid journey and while OTC hearing aids offer a feasible alternative for some users, concerns regarding their effectiveness and the lack of professional guidance were highlighted. Integrating OTC devices with the expertise and support of audiologists, may offer a feasible solution which could lead to improved outcomes.
Experiences and Practices of South African Speech-Language Therapists Related to Literacy
Tayob, Aamina Bibi Ebrahim; Mlauzi, Nicole; Elsenbroek, Lennie (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Background: Literacy development is a critical aspect of language acquisition, with speech-language therapists (SLTs) playing a pivotal role in supporting literacy skills. In South Africa, the unique linguistic and cultural landscape presents specific challenges and opportunities for SLTs in addressing literacy difficulties. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and practices of South African Speech-Language Therapists (SASLTs) related to literacy. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey design, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 31 SASLTs through an online questionnaire. Results: The results showed that 90% of SASLTs currently work with literacy difficulties, primarily focusing on phonological awareness and phonics. However, less attention is given to emergent literacy skills such as print conventions and writing. Many participants indicated a need for additional training and continuing education to address broader literacy development, including the connection between spoken and written language. The study also identified challenges such as inadequate undergraduate training, limited access to culturally relevant resources, and difficulties in multidisciplinary collaboration. SASLTs expressed a strong interest in professional development, especially in evidence-based literacy intervention. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for expanded literacy-focused training and resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally appropriate tools to improve literacy outcomes in South Africa. These implications are significant for enhancing SLT education and clinical practice, promoting a more comprehensive approach to literacy intervention that integrates both foundational and emergent literacy skills.
The speech-language therapist’s role with neonates who have hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
De Gouveia, Amy; Hindson, Verity; Viljoen, Amanda; Wilke, Kyra (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
Background This survey study aimed to describe the role of a sample of speech-language therapists (SLTs) working with neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonatal nurseries in South Africa. Research will allow for better understanding of SLTs’ role, and effective and timely treatment of this population. Method A 21-item previously published online survey was completed by 22 South African SLTs rendering mostly quantitative data. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants for the study. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used. Results An average of five babies with HIE were admitted to NICUs where participants were working. Whole body cooling was used more often than selective head cooling, with no SLTs reporting involvement during cooling. Reported management of feeding difficulties included direct infant treatment to promote oral feeding skills, and caregiver support for optimal breastfeeding and developmentally appropriate stimulation. Most participants (n=21; 95.5%) provide follow-up services to clients with HIE, largely concerning feeding monitoring. Formal and informal feeding assessment methods were used by participants, with most (n=13; 59.1%) participants using the Neonatal Feeding Assessment Scale. Management is carefully tailored to the infants’ and families’ needs. Treatment was influenced by resources available, within the context of sparse management guidelines. Conclusion The findings reveal the need for standardised protocols to guide management of this population in the NICU. Additionally, SLTs must strive for holistic management of neonates with HIE as early intervention pre- and post-discharge plays a vital role in mitigating adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Results may inform the development of guidelines and may be beneficial for SLTs in low- and middle-income countries involved in the NICU.
Early childhood development practitioners’ perspectives on an adapted developmental resource (3y0m - 5y11m) for language development in low resourced settings in South Africa
Du Plessis, Danielle; Wagner, Julia; Köstlin, Tabea; Du Toit, Linette (University of Pretoria, 2024)
Background Globally, there are 250 million children at risk of not reaching their developmental potential later in life. In South Africa, where poverty levels are high and various risk factors are prevalent, children face an increased risk of developmental delays. ECD practitioners often play the role of a primary caregiver to many children due to the amount of time children spend in ECD centres. As a result, ECD practitioners are ideally positioned to provide developmental stimulation to children, to ameliorate many of these risks. To achieve successful developmental outcomes, access to appropriate resources, such as existing milestone guides, is crucial. However, these resources are often lacking in low-income settings, making it difficult to reach these goals. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe Early Childhood Development practitioners’ perspectives on the language activities included in a contextually and linguistically adapted milestone guide for preschool children aged 3 years 0 months to 5 years 11 months from low-resourced settings. Method The study used a short-longitudinal design with a paper-based pre-survey and semi-structured post-implementation interview. These incorporated both quantitative and qualitative questions. A three-week implementation period of the language domain of the adapted milestone guide occurred between the survey and interview. Throughout the implementation phase, field notes were made by the participants and phone calls were made weekly by the research team to gain feedback. Non-probability purposive sampling targeted ECD practitioners from low- and middle-income countries. feedback. Non-probability purposive sampling targeted ECD practitioners from low- and middle-income countries. Results and discussion Participants reported that it was easy to implement the activities into daily routines and that they were unchallenging to understand. The adapted milestone guide was deemed both age and developmentally appropriate and proved to be suitable for the group setting in a low-resourced community. Participants also reported positive children’s experiences with the activities. Finally, recommendations were provided, to improve the suggested resources and increase parental involvement as well as the importance of practitioners’ roles to promote early childhood development. Conclusion The adapted milestone guide proved to be user-friendly and suitable for integration into the daily routines of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, with materials readily accessible. The children indicated enjoyment of the activities, supporting continued successful implementation of the milestone guide in other ECD centres.
An investigation into etiological and background factors in the subtypes of Specific Learning Disorder (Developmental Dyslexia)
Shaw, Cassidy; Olivier, Eileen; Van der Spuy, Kallyn; Valkenburg, Dandelion; Turner, Isabel (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
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