Meet Natalie, an audiologist
PASSIONATE ABOUT CONNECTING WITH THE PRESENT MOMENT

“I grew up with two hearing-impaired family members. Wanting to help them hear and enjoy a better quality of life was one of the main reasons that I became an audiologist. Because my dad is an electronic engineer, I began to work with circuits at a very young age, developing a love for technology with a purpose. My passion for medicine comes from a love of nature, biology and science. My love of language underpins a dedication to communication. My love of service to others, ensures that my perspective considers the whole person. In my chosen profession, I can combine these passions to assist my patients towards empowered decisions and outcomes.

I’m an advocate for being fully present, engaged with life.

I honor being trusted by my patients to put them first. By staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry, and enthusiastically participating in further development regarding hearing, hearing loss, technology, and counselling, I fulfil my aspirations to provide the best possible service to my patients.”

-Dr. Natalie Buttress

Natalie Buttress

Natalie qualified as an audiologist in 1993, completing her Honours in Speech and Hearing Therapy at the University of the Witwatersrand. Since 1994, she has been active in the profession of audiology, whilst also continuing to develop her professional capabilities through experience and further academic study. In 2000, she obtained her Masters in Audiology from the same university. She obtained her post-professional doctorate more recently through A.T. Still University- Arizona School of Health Sciences. Both her Masters’ degree and her clinical doctorate were obtained with distinction. NB Hearing is her own independent audiology practice, since 1995.

She was a Senior Clinical Supervisor of Audiology for 4th year students at Stellenbosch University (2002 – 2003) and the University of Cape Town (2004 – 2005), and an independent consultant for some of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in South Africa, Oticon and Widex. She volunteers on various boards related to audiology and serves on patients’ organizations. Her clinical interests include hearing loss; hearing aids and central auditory processing. Tinnitus; hyperacusis and misophonia are also key management areas, for which she received advanced training in Denmark. She also has a keen interest in balance diagnosis and rehabilitation. Most importantly, she believes in the holistic support of each unique person, to facilitate whole-person function and quality of life.

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Some highlights in Natalie’s career:

  • THE ASAIPA (ALLIANCE OF SOUTH AFRICAN INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATIONS) NMA (National Medical Award) 2021 HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP AWARD https://youtu.be/rHtz1bkCRwg
  • Professional Leadership Award- awarded during her doctoral degree A.T. Still University- Arizona School of Health Sciences 2019-2021
  • Chairperson of SAAA Ethics and Standards Committee: 2015-2018
  • South African Association of Audiologists (SAAA) Ethics and Standards Committee: 2014-2018
  • Board member of a non-profit patient support group, Decibels of Love 2014-2017
  • Winner of the International Senso Diva Award from Widex South Africa, for bringing quality of life to patients with hearing loss (amongst 14 countries!)
  • Finalist in the 94.5 Cape Talk/Sage Small Business Awards (2013) for service excellence
  • President-Past, SASLHA: June 2002 – June 2003
  • President, SASLHA June 2001 – June 2002
  • President-Elect, South African Speech Language Hearing Association (SASLHA) June 2000 – June 2001
  • University of the Witwatersrand Certificate of Merit in Clinical Audiology, 1992
  • University of the Witwatersrand Certificate of Merit in Clinical Speech Pathology, 1991
  • National Gold Medal, Youth Science Expo 1989
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She is registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and is a proud member of the South African Association of Audiologists (SAAA). Together with three colleagues, she started the Reconnect Audiology Network for Independent Audiologists in South Africa, which regards patient-centred care and the autonomy of the patient, as the core of professional healthcare delivery.