About the EarQ Research Group
Bridging Barriers Through Enhancing Audiology Reach and Quality
EarQ Research Group, hosted within the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Pretoria, aims to address hearing loss challenges. Led by Prof. Faheema Mahomed-Asmail, a recognized researcher in audiology and speech-language pathology, EarQ envisions a society where all individuals with hearing difficulties have access to quality, affordable care.
Tackling Global Hearing
Healthcare Challenges
Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, with projections indicating that 1 in 4 individuals will experience disabling hearing loss by 2050. The prevalence is about four times higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to hearing healthcare is severely limited. There are also fewer than one audiologist per million people, and traditional equipment costs are high, compounded by centralized care models. When available, services often follow a medical model, leading to reduced client engagement and poor intervention uptake.
Our Approach
Our vision is a society where all people with hearing difficulties have access to quality care. Our mission is to undertake transdisciplinary research to strengthen systems and skills to improve quality and access to hearing healthcare.
To achieve this, we adopt a transdisciplinary approach that focuses on three key priorities:
Innovative Research
Through partnership with leading experts, we conduct pioneering research aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of hearing healthcare. Through the exploration of new technologies and service delivery models, we strive to overcome existing barriers and ensure better care for all.
Networking and Collboration
We believe that progress is made through collaboration. By building and supporting a transdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, community healthcare workers and clients, we enhance the collective capability to deliver effective hearing healthcare services.
Advocacy and Public awareness
We advocate for better policies and practices in hearing healthcare and work to increase public awareness. By promoting the uptake of decentralized quality hearing healthcare services, we aim to make quality care more accessible to underserved communities.
Our Research
Our transdisciplinary research efforts are centered around three interconnected research areas—Quality, Stakeholder Collaboration and Accessible Hearing Healthcare.​​
Quality
High-quality, person-centered care (PCC) is vital as it tailors healthcare services to the unique needs, preferences, and values of each individual.
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Our research focuses on improving the quality of hearing healthcare by implementing PCC approaches that prioritize the experiences and needs of individuals. This is achieved by enhancing clinical training and refining practices to better meet the needs of those seeking care.
Stakeholder
Collaboration
Collaboration with various stakeholders is essential for enhancing the quality of care and improving client outcomes, particularly in regions with overburdened healthcare systems.
Through collaborative efforts, we identify and advance opportunities that support stakeholders, ultimately improving service delivery and client outcomes.​
Accesibility
Traditional hearing healthcare is centralized and relies on expensive equipment and trained healthcare professionals, making it inaccessible in many low- and middle-income countries.
Our research focuses on the validation of sustainable, equitable, and accessible model of hearing care, supporting high-quality service delivery through collaborative efforts across various levels of practice.
