Professor De Wet Swanepoel of the University of Pretoria has been honoured with the International Award for Hearing, recognising his ground-breaking work in mobile hearing care that is making hearing health accessible to millions, no matter where they are.
The award from the American Academy of Audiology recognises Swanepoel’s pioneering work in mobile hearing care, a mission that has seen him co-found the hearX Group, a digital health company dedicated to expanding access to hearing healthcare both locally and globally.
The GoodNewsGuy reports that this research isn’t just about numbers or academic papers – it’s about real-world impact, ensuring that millions of people can connect with the world through sound.
“I’m honoured to receive this award,” said Swanepoel, who is from the University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. “More than personal recognition, it highlights the importance of making hearing care accessible to those who need it most.”
He said he viewed hearing loss as a silent epidemic, and that waiting for people to seek help was no longer an option. Instead, hearing care must be taken to them, whether they’re in a remote village, a busy workplace, or their own home.
“We need to stop thinking of hearing care as something that only happens in a clinic,” he added. “It should happen wherever people need it.”
His work with teleaudiology – a field that leverages digital technology to provide remote hearing solutions – is revolutionising access to care, especially in regions like Africa, where only 2% of people who need hearing aids actually receive them.
By harnessing mobile apps, artificial intelligence and digital tools, Swanepoel is changing the narrative around hearing health, making it more accessible and affordable.
His impact extends far beyond South Africa. His collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has helped scale mobile hearing solutions globally.
One of the most groundbreaking achievements is the hearZA National Hearing Screening app, developed by UP and hearX. This innovation was later adapted into hearWHO, the first-ever global hearing screening app, which has already screened half a billion people worldwide.
“What started as a South African innovation has now screened half a billion people worldwide for hearing loss,” he said.
Through this partnership, minimally trained healthcare workers can now conduct hearing screenings under the remote supervision of audiologists, ensuring that even the most underserved communities can receive life-changing hearing support.
With an estimated 700m people expected to require hearing services by 2050, the need for borderless, digital-first solutions has never been greater.
Swanepoel is at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that innovation is not just a concept but a lifeline for those in need.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Phone app life-changer for millions of hearing-impaired Africans
AAS’s biennial prize for innovation goes to University of Pretoria audiologist
Bringing an African perspective to audiology
Hearing aids linked to reduced risk of mental decline and falls but few get them