Radebe, Thandeka G.P.2022-12-212022-12-212021https://hdl.handle.net/10539/33921A research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Audiology to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, 2021Purpose: The aim of the study to estimate the economic cost of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) to the South African mining sector. Specific objectives included firstly to estimate the direct costs incurred during investigation of NIHL. Secondly, was to estimate the direct costs incurred during treatment and management of NIHL. Lastly was to determine the compensation paid-out due to NIHL. Participants: A purposive and snowball sampling strategies were used to identify and recruit participants who had experience and were knowledgeable in the management of NIHL in the mining sector. Data were obtained from two sources. The first set of data were derived from 30 Occupational Audiologists working in both state and private institutions. The second source of data were obtained from compensation reports compiled by the workmen’s compensation scheme representative. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire which was compiled in using English language. Participants were emailed the questionnaire link and were given time to complete the questionnaire at their convenient time. Design: The design used was quantitative, the study adopted the economic evaluations approach, cost analysis approach, and in particular micro costing analysis as the study was concern with assessing the net monetary impact of a disease (NIHL). Data Analysis: A quantitative descriptive analysis approach was adopted for the current study. This allowed for a meaningful and objective means of answering the question “what is the economic cost of NIHL”. Results: Findings of the current study revealed that NIHL posed huge economic burden to the country, as evident by the high costs incurred during investigation, management and compensation of NIHL. Based on the direct costs incurred, the study revealed that R9 million costs were incurred during investigation of NIHL in the period of 2008-2018. Also, the individuals with reported NIHL are likely to incur these costs. Likewise findings from the study indicated that, costs incurred during management of 7199 individuals with NIHL in the mining sector were estimated at R56 million for the stated period. These costs were 5 times more than the investigation costs, indicating how costly it is to manage NIHL. With regards to compensation paid-out, the analysis indicated that R1.9 billion was spent by the mining sector to compensated 7199 individuals with acceptable claims. Majority (90%) of these costs were incurred by the gold mine commodities at R1.1 billion. 14 | P a g e Conclusion: The findings of the study strongly indicated that the mining sector in general represents the heaviest burden on the economy, as evident by the high compensation costs, which demonstrates the costly impacts and magnitudes of inadequately managed NIHL in a place of work. Importantly, these effects of NIHL should not be taken lightly as they have a potential to extend beyond compensation in particular to developing countries such as South Africa where poverty levels are high. In addition the impact of NIHL on one’s health and quality of life cannot be quantified in tangible measures or standards. Thus NIHL may be considered one of the greatest threats to the country’s economy and public health systemsenThesis