Breaking New Ground in Hearing Research

BY: .

UKZN Masters in Audiology graduate, Ms Savani Pillay, is now an Audiology Partner at Specsavers in Dapto and Warrawong, Australia. 

Pillay’s ground-breaking research, titled: “Knowledge and Attitudes of Workers on the Effects of Chemical Toxicity on Hearing in KwaZulu-Natal Province”, was supervised by Ms Seema Panday and is a first in the field. 

Reflecting on her achievement, Pillay described the feeling as ‘ecstatic and a tremendous sense of relief.’ She attributes her success to hard work, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the power of the law of attraction. ‘I’ve always visualised this day, from my days of achieving six distinctions in matric, to now holding a master’s degree. The journey was not easy, but every step was worth it,’ she said. 

Her next goal? Pursuing a PhD to further contribute to the advancement of Audiology. 

Pillay’s research is both novel and socially significant. It revealed a troubling gap in knowledge among workers regarding the signs and symptoms of hearing loss due to chemical exposure. However, it also found that many had a positive attitude towards acknowledging the risks. ‘This study has the potential to contribute to a healthier workforce through education, policy change, and risk prevention,’ she explained. ‘It can drive advocacy for regulations protecting workers exposed to ototoxic chemicals.’ 

Pillay was drawn to this field of study by the glaring lack of research and guidelines surrounding chemical-induced hearing loss in the workplace. ‘Many South African workers face daily chemical exposure with little awareness or protection. I want to change that,’ she said. 

Her academic journey, however, has been filled with personal tragedy and upheaval. ‘I lost my father suddenly to a heart attack, and not long after, my grandfather passed, followed by the loss of my dog.’ 

During her master’s programme, she lived and worked across three continents, moving from South Africa to the UK, where she became Clinical Lead at Specsavers Birkenhead, and then to Australia, where she currently lives. Amidst job transitions and time zone challenges, Pillay was racing against time to complete her thesis. ‘There were nights I didn’t sleep, juggling deadlines and adjusting to new roles, but I was blessed with a supportive supervisor and editor who helped me pull through.’ 

She describes her UKZN experience as ‘outstanding’, highlighting the strong mentorship from Ms Seema Panday and the invaluable assistance from the Institution’s academic staff and statisticians. 

Born and raised in Umhlatuzana Township, Durban, Pillay grew up in a close-knit family of four. Inspired by her grandmother, a teacher, and encouraged by her mother, who emphasised the power of education, she pursued a career in healthcare to make a tangible impact, helping people reconnect through better hearing. 

Her late father remains her deepest inspiration. ‘He was the smartest person I knew, and the driving force behind my academic journey,’ she said. ‘Even when times were extremely difficult, he made sure I got to university despite being blind in one eye - sometimes waiting in the car for hours for my lectures to end. I dedicated my thesis to him.’ 

Outside of her professional life, Pillay is an adventure seeker and animal lover who enjoys reading, dancing, watching sports, and thrill-seeking activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining, and skydiving.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied