Hearing forms such a critical part of our daily lives. Even before we are born, hearing sounds is the first sense we experience. And throughout our lives we rely on our hearing for various reasons! Education, business and pleasure of course, such as that old 70’s rock classic on a Friday afternoon or the early morning silence while the sun sketches yet another breath taking canvas right before your eyes. Yes, it is indeed the small things in life that we often take for granted, like our hearing! Could you imagine not hearing a baby’s giggle? Or the sweet little “I love you”?

Now I can say the same for our youngsters going to the “groot skool”. It is of utmost importance that we as parents/guardians make 100% sure that our little ones whom seem to be brave and top of the world can hear every sound! Especially now that they are attending school!

It’s so sad for me to say that I see children on a daily basis that struggle to hear and has been missing it for probably years. Not to even mention the speech & language development of the child.
It is crucial that children are tested as early as possible and on a frequent basis! When entering school you need to know and be sure that your child’s hearing abilities are normal and that they don’t miss out on even the slightest detail to learn and thrive in school!

We want your little one to hear and develop and thrive just as much as you do! For this reason we have decided to have a back to school promotion for Grade R and Grade 1 students! (Only for the month of February 2018) Bring them in for a hearing evaluation and bring the grandparents with for a free hearing screening! Make it a family outing!

This promotion only subjects to our Benoni branch! So come on…just do it!

What does a hearing evaluation entitle?

• First of all, a case history regarding the hearing and general health is done to better understand one’s particular concern. Don’t worry, it’s not that intense! ;-D
• Otoscopic examination: The otoscopic examination is done using an otoscope with a light to assess the ear canal and eardrum visually.
• Tympanometry: is a test done by inserting a small probe into the outer part of the ear canal, a slight pressure is built up in the ear and measurements are done in the form of a tympanogram. Tympanograms provide valuable information regarding the functioning of the middle ear and can indicate perforations of the eardrum, abnormal pressure, fluid build-up in the middle ear and increased or decreased mobility of the eardrum and middle ear structures.
• Reflex measurements: Acoustic reflex measurements are done to measure the involuntary muscle contraction that occurs in the middle ear in response to loud sounds.
• Pure tone audiometry is the key hearing test to identify hearing levels of an individual. During this test the patient will be required to press a button in response to a sound heard. Both air- and bone conduction audiometry should be conducted in order to identify the type, degree and configuration of the hearing loss.
• Speech audiometry: Several word lists are presented to the patient and are then required to repeat the words read to him/her. The performance in this test provides the clinician with valuable information regarding the auditory processing of the individual and the condition of the auditory nerve/cortex where sound is processed in the brain.
• Additional testing: Certain additional audiological tests might be indicated in some cases. Your audiologist will make this decision depending on your unique case history, needs and symptoms.
  At Yolandé vd Westhuizen Audiologists we do not include all these tests at a routine hearing evaluation in order to keep the cost of the hearing evaluation reasonable for the patient. Additional tests include: Otoacoustic emission testing, Reflex decay, Tone decay, Uncomfortable Loudness Levels, Most Comfortable loudness Levels, Speech in Noise testing, Short Increment Sensitivity Index etc.

How long does it take?

A diagnostic hearing evaluation including the consultation can take up to an hour but usually no longer than 45 minutes. We are as thorough as we need to be to make the best and most accurate diagnosis!

Contact us now to book your child’s spot and remember to bring granny / grandpa/ mom or dad along for a free screening! (This offer expires on 28 Feb 2018)