Comprehensive Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
One of the most remarkable abilities of the human brain is its capacity for change. This is made possible by neural plasticity, where the brain can change through growth and reorganisation. While the brain is most receptive to change early in development, cognitive changes may occur across the human lifespan due to disease, injury, dysfunction, trauma, experiences, and learning.
At Winelands Audiology, the journey to better hearing starts with a full diagnostic hearing evaluation. Each client is managed uniquely and holistically, considering their overall well-being, physical health, daily listening activities, and individual needs.
A hearing evaluation typically includes a combination of tests to assess different aspects of hearing, such as:
- Pure-Tone Audiometry: This test measures the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies. The individual wears headphones and responds when they hear tones of varying frequencies.
- Speech Audiometry: This test evaluates an individual’s ability to understand speech at different intensities, including speech in the presence of background noise.
- Tympanometry: This assesses the functioning of the middle ear, including the mobility of the eardrum and the air pressure in the middle ear space.
- Acoustic Reflexes: This test measures the involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear in response to loud sounds.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test: This measures the sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to sound stimulation. It can help determine if the cochlea is functioning properly.
- Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) Test: This evaluates the function of the auditory nerve and brainstem by measuring electrical activity in response to sound.
Hearing Instruments
Studies show that untreated hearing loss may be associated with neural reorganisation and neurocognitive decline. Hearing loss and neurocognitive deprivation may not be cheerful or comfortable topics, but they must be unpacked, as awareness and early management may help you or a loved one stay engaged with the world.
Neurologically, listening requires significant cognitive effort; therefore in the presence of hearing loss, the brain allocates more resources and energy towards decoding speech, leaving fewer resources available for other cognitive processes such as working memory, processing speed, and attention. This may further result in listening fatigue and social isolation.
Advances in hearing instrument technology, which better address cognitive and auditory demands, may provide even more substantial benefits. The advances in digital and wireless technologies are significantly contributing to assisting people with hearing difficulties to communicate more meaningfully and participate fully in their daily lives. The process includes thorough consideration and selection of hearing instruments, supply, programming, and real-ear verification.
Pediatric Hearing Screenings and Evaluations
Approximately 17 babies a day in South Africa are born with permanent bilateral hearing loss or develop it within the first few weeks of life. Getting your child’s hearing screened within the first few weeks of birth is essential to detect possible hearing loss early. Regular hearing screenings and evaluations for children are essential for ensuring optimal development, early intervention, and appropriate support to help them thrive in all aspects of life.
Early identification of hearing loss allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly impact a child’s development. Hearing is vital for speech and language development, social interaction, academic success, and overall quality of life.
Hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s developmental milestones and their ability to develop speech and language skills. Undetected hearing loss can lead to delays in speech and language development, academic difficulties, and social challenges.
- Educational Success: Hearing loss can impact a child’s ability to learn in a classroom setting. Early detection and intervention can help ensure that appropriate accommodations and support services are provided to help the child succeed academically.
- Social and Emotional Well-Being: Hearing loss can affect a child’s social interactions and self-esteem. Early intervention and support can help mitigate the impact of hearing loss on a child’s social and emotional development.
- Identification of Underlying Health Conditions: In some cases, hearing loss may be a symptom of an underlying health condition or genetic disorder. A comprehensive hearing evaluation can help identify any underlying issues that may require further medical attention or intervention.
School Hearing Screening
Winelands Audiology offers hearing screening programmes as requested by schools. Early identification of hearing loss allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly impact a child’s development. Hearing is vital for speech and language development, social interaction, academic success, and overall quality of life.
Industrial hearing screenings
Industrial Hearing Tests (occupational hearing tests) are assessments conducted to monitor the hearing health of workers who are exposed to dangerous noise levels in the workplace. Hearing loss incurred in the workplace is a compensable disease in terms of Schedule 3 of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COID Act) in South Africa.
The purpose of industrial hearing tests includes:
- Baseline Hearing Test: Employees undergo an initial hearing evaluation to establish a baseline of their hearing health before exposure to workplace noise.
- Screening Hearing Test: Regular follow-up tests are conducted to monitor any changes in hearing sensitivity over time. This monitoring helps identify early signs of hearing loss and allows for timely intervention.
- Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: By identifying workers at risk of hearing loss early on, industrial hearing tests enable employers to implement preventive measures, such as providing hearing protection devices.
Tinnitus management
Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Tinnitus may be perceived as various phantom sounds, which may include ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, or clicking sounds. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may occur intermittently or persistently.
Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, including:
- Exposure to loud noises (noise-induced hearing loss)
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Earwax build-up
- Ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Head or neck injuries
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Medications that can damage the inner ear (ototoxic drugs)
- Emotional or psychological trauma
Tinnitus may have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, causing stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. While there is currently no cure for tinnitus in most cases, there are management strategies and treatments available to help alleviate its symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include sound therapy, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and, in some cases, medications to manage associated symptoms like anxiety or depression.
If you experience persistent tinnitus or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, or pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist, for evaluation and appropriate management.
Bone Conduction Hearing Systems and Implantable Devices
Bone-Conduction Hearing Devices , also known as bone conduction implants, are hearing devices that bypass the outer and middle ear and directly stimulate the inner ear (cochlea) through bone conduction. They are used to treat various types of hearing loss, including conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness.
Types of bone conduction hearing systems: There are two main types of bone conduction hearing systems:
- Surgically Implantable Bone-Conduction Hearing System : This is the most common type. A surgeon places a small titanium implant in the bone behind your ear. Once the implant heals, you can attach the external sound processor to restore your hearing. You can remove the processor when you’re sleeping, showering, or having hair treatments.
- Non-Surgical Bone Conduction Hearing System Providers typically recommend non-surgical bone conduction hearing systems for children under the age of 5 and people who don’t want surgery. Some bone conduction hearing aids attach directly to your skin with adhesive. Others attach to a headband that you can wear as needed.
The basic components of a bone-Conduction hearing device include:
- Implant: The implant is surgically placed into the bone behind the ear (typically the mastoid bone) during a minor surgical procedure. It consists of a small titanium fixture that is anchored into the bone and protrudes slightly through the skin.
- Connector/Abutment: An implant magnet or abutment is a small metal connector that extends outward from the implant fixture through the skin. It serves as the attachment point for the external sound processor.
- External Sound Processor: The external sound processor captures sounds from the environment using a microphone and processes them into vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the skin to the implant and then directly to the inner ear, bypassing any problems in the outer or middle ear.
Bone-conduction hearing devices work by utilising the natural ability of bone to conduct sound vibrations. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids due to issues with the outer or middle ear. It can also be used for people with mixed hearing loss who have a significant conductive component.
Cochlear Implant Services:
- Cochlear implant candidacy assessments and counselling
- Pre- and post-implant support, activation, mapping, and tuning
- Rehabilitation and follow-up care
- School visits and ongoing support for paediatric implant recipients
Customised Hearing / Ear Protection
Loud noise may be harmful to the inner ear (cochlea). Brief exposure to extremely loud sound or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss. Loud noise can cause cochlear hair cell damage and in some cases extremely loud sounds can damage the eardrum and middle ear bones (ossicular chain). Harmful effects might continue even after noise exposure has ceased. Damage to the inner ear or auditory neural system is generally permanent.
Types of Hearing Protection: Mechanical lifestyle products are custom-made from acrylic / silicone material with none or variable filter options. This may include:
- Noise-Ban
- SleepPlugs
- SwimPlugs
- MusicEars
- MotoEars
Electronic devices with compression and/or amplification systems are ideal for hunters, sport shooters, musicians, and media presenters:
- ShooterPlugs
- In-Ear Monitors
For more information: https://hass.co.za/hearing-protection/
Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluation
An Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) test is a series of evaluations conducted by an audiologist to determine how well a person processes auditory information. APD affects the brain’s ability to interpret sounds, which can lead to difficulties in understanding spoken language, especially in noisy environments.
During the assessment, the audiologist may use various tests that assess different aspects of auditory processing, including:
- Auditory Discrimination: This tests the ability to differentiate between similar sounds or words.
- Auditory Memory: This evaluates how well a person can remember and recall auditory information after a short delay.
- Auditory Sequencing: This assesses the ability to understand and recall a sequence of sounds or words.
- Sound Localisation: This evaluates the ability to identify the direction from which a sound is coming.
- Listening in Noise: This tests how well a person can understand speech against a background of noise.
The results of these tests help the audiologist diagnose APD and develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include auditory training, FM-systems and Assistive Listening Devices, environmental modifications, and other therapeutic strategies to improve auditory processing skills.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
One of the most remarkable abilities of the human brain is its capacity for change. This is made possible by neural plasticity, where the brain can change through growth and reorganisation. While the brain is most receptive to change early in development, cognitive changes may occur across the human lifespan due to disease, injury, dysfunction, trauma, experiences, and learning.
At Winelands Audiology, the journey to better hearing starts with a full diagnostic hearing evaluation. Each client is managed uniquely and holistically, considering their overall well-being, physical health, daily listening activities, and individual needs.
A hearing evaluation typically includes a combination of tests to assess different aspects of hearing, such as:
- Pure-Tone Audiometry: This test measures the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies. The individual wears headphones and responds when they hear tones of varying frequencies.
- Speech Audiometry: This test evaluates an individual’s ability to understand speech at different intensities, including speech in the presence of background noise.
- Tympanometry: This assesses the functioning of the middle ear, including the mobility of the eardrum and the air pressure in the middle ear space.
- Acoustic Reflexes: This test measures the involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear in response to loud sounds.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test: This measures the sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to sound stimulation. It can help determine if the cochlea is functioning properly.
- Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) Test: This evaluates the function of the auditory nerve and brainstem by measuring electrical activity in response to sound.
Hearing Instruments
Studies show that untreated hearing loss may be associated with neural reorganisation and neurocognitive decline. Hearing loss and neurocognitive deprivation may not be cheerful or comfortable topics, but they must be unpacked, as awareness and early management may help you or a loved one stay engaged with the world.
Neurologically, listening requires significant cognitive effort; therefore in the presence of hearing loss, the brain allocates more resources and energy towards decoding speech, leaving fewer resources available for other cognitive processes such as working memory, processing speed, and attention. This may further result in listening fatigue and social isolation.
Advances in hearing instrument technology, which better address cognitive and auditory demands, may provide even more substantial benefits. The advances in digital and wireless technologies are significantly contributing to assisting people with hearing difficulties to communicate more meaningfully and participate fully in their daily lives. The process includes thorough consideration and selection of hearing instruments, supply, programming, and real-ear verification.
Pediatric Hearing Screenings and Evaluations
Approximately 17 babies a day in South Africa are born with permanent bilateral hearing loss or develop it within the first few weeks of life. Getting your child’s hearing screened within the first few weeks of birth is essential to detect possible hearing loss early. Regular hearing screenings and evaluations for children are essential for ensuring optimal development, early intervention, and appropriate support to help them thrive in all aspects of life.
Early identification of hearing loss allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly impact a child’s development. Hearing is vital for speech and language development, social interaction, academic success, and overall quality of life.
Hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s developmental milestones and their ability to develop speech and language skills. Undetected hearing loss can lead to delays in speech and language development, academic difficulties, and social challenges.
- Educational Success: Hearing loss can impact a child’s ability to learn in a classroom setting. Early detection and intervention can help ensure that appropriate accommodations and support services are provided to help the child succeed academically.
- Social and Emotional Well-Being: Hearing loss can affect a child’s social interactions and self-esteem. Early intervention and support can help mitigate the impact of hearing loss on a child’s social and emotional development.
- Identification of Underlying Health Conditions: In some cases, hearing loss may be a symptom of an underlying health condition or genetic disorder. A comprehensive hearing evaluation can help identify any underlying issues that may require further medical attention or intervention.
School Hearing Screening
Winelands Audiology offers hearing screening programmes as requested by schools. Early identification of hearing loss allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly impact a child’s development. Hearing is vital for speech and language development, social interaction, academic success, and overall quality of life.
Industrial hearing screenings
Industrial Hearing Tests (occupational hearing tests) are assessments conducted to monitor the hearing health of workers who are exposed to dangerous noise levels in the workplace. Hearing loss incurred in the workplace is a compensable disease in terms of Schedule 3 of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COID Act) in South Africa.
The purpose of industrial hearing tests includes:
- Baseline Hearing Test: Employees undergo an initial hearing evaluation to establish a baseline of their hearing health before exposure to workplace noise.
- Screening Hearing Test: Regular follow-up tests are conducted to monitor any changes in hearing sensitivity over time. This monitoring helps identify early signs of hearing loss and allows for timely intervention.
- Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: By identifying workers at risk of hearing loss early on, industrial hearing tests enable employers to implement preventive measures, such as providing hearing protection devices.
Tinnitus management
Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Tinnitus may be perceived as various phantom sounds, which may include ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, or clicking sounds. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may occur intermittently or persistently.
Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, including:
- Exposure to loud noises (noise-induced hearing loss)
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Earwax build-up
- Ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Head or neck injuries
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Medications that can damage the inner ear (ototoxic drugs)
- Emotional or psychological trauma
Tinnitus may have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, causing stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. While there is currently no cure for tinnitus in most cases, there are management strategies and treatments available to help alleviate its symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include sound therapy, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and, in some cases, medications to manage associated symptoms like anxiety or depression.
If you experience persistent tinnitus or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, or pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist, for evaluation and appropriate management.
Bone Conduction Hearing Systems and Implantable Devices
Bone-Conduction Hearing Devices , also known as bone conduction implants, are hearing devices that bypass the outer and middle ear and directly stimulate the inner ear (cochlea) through bone conduction. They are used to treat various types of hearing loss, including conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness.
Types of bone conduction hearing systems: There are two main types of bone conduction hearing systems:
- Surgically Implantable Bone-Anchored Hearing System : This is the most common type. A surgeon places a small titanium implant in the bone behind your ear. Once the implant heals, you can attach the external sound processor to restore your hearing. You can remove the processor when you’re sleeping, showering, or having hair treatments.
- Non-Surgical Bone Conduction Hearing System Providers typically recommend non-surgical bone conduction hearing systems for children under the age of 5 and people who don’t want surgery. Some bone conduction hearing aids attach directly to your skin with adhesive. Others attach to a headband that you can wear as needed.
The basic components of a bone-anchored hearing device include:
- Implant: The implant is surgically placed into the bone behind the ear (typically the mastoid bone) during a minor surgical procedure. It consists of a small titanium fixture that is anchored into the bone and protrudes slightly through the skin.
- Connector/Abutment: An implant magnet or abutment is a small metal connector that extends outward from the implant fixture through the skin. It serves as the attachment point for the external sound processor.
- External Sound Processor: The external sound processor captures sounds from the environment using a microphone and processes them into vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the skin to the implant and then directly to the inner ear, bypassing any problems in the outer or middle ear.
Bone-Conduction hearing devices work by utilising the natural ability of bone to conduct sound vibrations. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids due to issues with the outer or middle ear. It can also be used for people with mixed hearing loss who have a significant conductive component.
Cochlear Implant Services:
- Cochlear implant candidacy assessments and counselling
- Pre- and post-implant support, activation, mapping, and tuning
- Rehabilitation and follow-up care
- School visits and ongoing support for paediatric implant recipients
Customised Hearing / Ear Protection
Loud noise may be harmful to the inner ear (cochlea). Brief exposure to extremely loud sound or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss. Loud noise can cause cochlear hair cell damage and in some cases extremely loud sounds can damage the eardrum and middle ear bones (ossicular chain). Harmful effects might continue even after noise exposure has ceased. Damage to the inner ear or auditory neural system is generally permanent.
Types of Hearing Protection: Mechanical lifestyle products are custom-made from acrylic / silicone material with none or variable filter options. This may include:
- Noise-Ban
- SleepPlugs
- SwimPlugs
- MusicEars
- MotoEars
Electronic devices with compression and/or amplification systems are ideal for hunters, sport shooters, musicians, and media presenters:
- ShooterPlugs
- In-Ear Monitors
For more information: https://hass.co.za/hearing-protection/
Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluation
An Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) test is a series of evaluations conducted by an audiologist to determine how well a person processes auditory information. APD affects the brain’s ability to interpret sounds, which can lead to difficulties in understanding spoken language, especially in noisy environments.
During the assessment, the audiologist may use various tests that assess different aspects of auditory processing, including:
- Auditory Discrimination: This tests the ability to differentiate between similar sounds or words.
- Auditory Memory: This evaluates how well a person can remember and recall auditory information after a short delay.
- Auditory Sequencing: This assesses the ability to understand and recall a sequence of sounds or words.
- Sound Localisation: This evaluates the ability to identify the direction from which a sound is coming.
- Listening in Noise: This tests how well a person can understand speech against a background of noise.
The results of these tests help the audiologist diagnose APD and develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include auditory training, FM-systems and Assistive Listening Devices, environmental modifications, and other therapeutic strategies to improve auditory processing skills