https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250819/med-student-revolutionizes-hearing-care-in-rural-south-africa-1077201469.html
Med Student Revolutionizes Hearing Care in Rural South Africa
Med Student Revolutionizes Hearing Care in Rural South Africa
Sputnik Africa
The World Health Organization warns that more than 430 million people worldwide currently live with disabling hearing loss, a number projected to exceed 700... 19.08.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-08-19T18:50+0200
2025-08-19T18:50+0200
2025-08-19T18:50+0200
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Med Student Revolutionizes Hearing Care in Rural South Africa
Sputnik Africa
The World Health Organization warns that more than 430 million people worldwide currently live with disabling hearing loss, a number projected to exceed 700 million by 2050. In Africa alone, around 40 million people—3.6 percent of the population—are affected. One of Africa's young audiologists is determined to change that story.
While urgent challenges like malaria, HIV, and maternal health rightly demand attention, ear and hearing care often slip from the agenda. Yet awareness is growing, and communities are beginning to recognize that sound is not a luxury but a vital link to learning, livelihoods, and connection. With greater focus, what once felt like a silent struggle can become stories of restored voices and renewed opportunities.Specialists remain scarce—sometimes just one audiologist serves an entire province—but this gap is inspiring innovation rather than despair. Young professionals are stepping forward, determined to carry care into underserved areas. Mobile clinics, outreach programs, and grassroots campaigns are showing that even in the most remote communities, hope can arrive in the form of clearer sound and brighter futures.African Currents spoke to Fisokuhle Makhanya, audiology student and Head of Audiology at the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He was the recipient of the 2024 National Medical Award in the Health Sciences Student category by the Alliance of South African Independent Practitioners Association (ASAIPA). He will discuss his work in advancing grassroots hearing care and policy advocacy.Want to hear more from our guest? Catch the full conversation on the African Currents podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.You’ll find our episodes not just on the website, but also on Telegram.► You can also stream our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents.
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Med Student Revolutionizes Hearing Care in Rural South Africa
The World Health Organization warns that more than 430 million people worldwide currently live with disabling hearing loss, a number projected to exceed 700 million by 2050. In Africa alone, around 40 million people—3.6 percent of the population—are affected. One of Africa's young audiologists is determined to change that story.
While urgent challenges like malaria, HIV, and maternal health rightly demand attention, ear and hearing care often slip from the agenda.
Yet awareness is growing, and communities are beginning to recognize that sound is not a luxury but a vital link to learning, livelihoods, and connection. With greater focus, what once felt like a silent struggle can become stories of restored voices and renewed opportunities.
Specialists remain scarce—sometimes just one audiologist serves an entire province—but this gap is inspiring innovation rather than despair. Young professionals are stepping forward, determined to carry care into underserved areas. Mobile clinics, outreach programs, and grassroots campaigns are showing that even in the most remote communities, hope can arrive in the form of clearer sound and brighter futures.
African Currents spoke to Fisokuhle Makhanya, audiology student and Head of Audiology at the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He was the recipient of the 2024 National Medical Award in the Health Sciences Student category by the Alliance of South African Independent Practitioners Association (ASAIPA). He will discuss his work in advancing grassroots hearing care and policy advocacy.
"I want to see audiology being normalized. Just like people will go to check their blood pressure. I think hearing screens should also be routine, especially for kids and the elderly. My dream is to help share national policy that makes hearing care a standard part of their first contact healthcare. I don't think that anyone should be excluded just because hearing isn't always seen as urgent. It's deeply connected to dignity, learning, and livelihood," Makhanya said.
Want to hear more from our guest? Catch the full conversation on the African Currents podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
You’ll find our episodes not just on the website, but also on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents. 
