Audiology
Vision
To be a leader in Audiology scholarship in the region and in the greater African continent.
Mission
The mission is to serve as a dynamic and socially responsible training, service, and research facility that delivers internationally competitive programmes tailored to the South African context. The aim is to prepare students for excellence in audiology practice by equipping them with the necessary theoretical knowledge, clinical expertise, and cultural competence to meet the diverse needs of the population.
This mission includes training hearing healthcare professionals in the field of audiology, which is recognized as a scarce skills profession in South Africa. The programme is designed to produce audiologists who are capable of providing both basic and advanced audiological assessment and management across multilingual and multicultural communities, working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Globally, audiology is a growing profession, and this is reflected in the increasing number of undergraduate applications received in recent years. The demand for audiological services continues to rise due to a growing disease burden and an aging population that requires specialized hearing care. This trend is further supported by the increasing employment of audiologists by the Department of Health, as outlined in the Human Resources for Health Strategy 2012/2013–2016/2017 (Department of Health, 2011).
With ongoing advancements in technology and research, the scope of practice for audiologists has expanded significantly. Audiologists are now trained to assess and manage a wide range of hearing and hearing-related disorders using evidence-based approaches. Notably, this is the only university on South Africa’s eastern seaboard offering a degree in audiology, making it a critical contributor to regional healthcare and education.
Goals and Core Values
- To promote access to learning that will provide educational and employment opportunities for all South Africans and particularly for South Africans from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, thus supporting transformation and redress.
- To create learning environments that will expose all students to the real and various contexts within which they will ultimately practice
- To promote and foster respect within our students for the abilities, capabilities and potential of the people with various disabilities that they will come to serve
- To foster independent and critical thinking and reasoning amongst our students in order for them to adequately advocate for those they are to serve
- To promote and foster tolerance and respect for multilingualism, diverse cultures and religions and diverse social values.
- To promote and instill an awareness of and respect for sound ethical practice and social responsibility in a complex and diverse society
- To create graduates who are able to provide a sensitive , effective and person-centered service in their various areas of expertise in communication and human occupation.
- To create graduates who are specifically tuned to the unique health needs of the Southern African context as it applies to their various areas of expertise.
- To train students to become advocates and agents for the correct implementation of health policy and legislation
- To pursue under and post graduate research which is appropriate and essential to advancing/promoting the capacity of the discipline in serving clients
- To promote the development of post graduate research programmes that provide the necessary expertise to meet specific health needs with the national and global arena
Scope of Audiology Practice
- Prevention, identification, and evaluation of hearing and hearing disorders
- The selection , evaluation and fitting of hearing aids
- Rehabilitation and/or habilitation of people with hearing impairments
Where do Audiologists practice?
Audiologists can practice in the public or private sector in any of the following contexts:
- Community hospitals and health care facilities
- University academic teaching departments and clinics
- Industry and Military settings (occupational noise management)
- Educational settings, i.e. mainstream and special schools
How can you become an Audiologist?
The bachelor of Communication Pathology (Audiology), is offered in the school of Rehabilitative and Therapeutic Sciences. It takes four academic years of study to complete the degree. All students are required to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in their first year of study.
Entry Requirements Qualification: Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Audiology) Admission is by selection. A candidate selected for entry into the Programme of study will preferably have passed TWO of the following: Matric Mathematics, Biology or Physical Science with at least a D symbol at the Standard Grade. Qualification: Master of Communication Pathology (Audiology)
The degree may be offered by:
- Research
- Coursework and short dissertation
Admission and Selection for 1 and 2
- A person in possession of a four year degree in Communication Pathology. Admission is via selection. Performance in the undergraduate qualification may be considered.
- A person in possession of a four year degree in an allied profession at the discretion of the discipline chair. Admission is via selection.
- A person with other qualifications at the discretion of senate. Admission is via selection.
Academics
Support Staff
Blessing Jili
Technician
- 031-260-7800
- jilisb@ukzn.ac.za
Roshnie Naidoo
Clinical Placement Officer
- 031-260-8986
- naidoor1@ukzn.ac.za