Ehlert Katerina
Department Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
S Afr J Commun Disord. 2017 Mar 28;64(1):e1-e12. doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v64i1.185.
Noise-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.
The 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.
A 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.
The 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.
Although 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.
噪声性听力损失（NIHL）在幼儿中是一个日益严重的问题。这归因于娱乐噪声是该问题最常见的原因。在幼儿中，听力问题会延迟语言发展并降低学业成绩。特别是在南非，关于学龄儿童听力保护的信息和保护措施有限。
该研究的主要目的是确定小学教师对噪声性听力损失的认知。该研究还旨在确定学校是否正在实施任何听力保护计划以及小学教师接受噪声性听力损失培训的必要性。
进行了一项调查。为了涵盖感兴趣的人群，比勒陀利亚的抽样学校被分为城市、半城市和农村地区。
本研究中的大多数教师了解噪声性听力损失及其影响。然而，他们缺乏有效利用这些信息的必要资源和知识。大多数（67.5%）教师表示，他们在学校环境中从未接触过患有噪声性听力损失的儿童。还发现，该研究中的大多数（84%）学校未实施听力筛查和保护计划。
尽管样本量有限，但结果与该领域的其他研究相关，表明需要在学校规划和实施听力保护计划，包括对教师进行培训以使这些计划有效。
