An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders. People who experience hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, auditory processing disorder (APD), and misophonia can benefit greatly from seeing an audiologist. Our team of experienced audiologists continue to offer patient-centred care to many struggling with their hearing health throughout Cape Town.
Types of Hearing Disorders
If you are experiencing any problems with your hearing, it is important to see an audiologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Below are some conditions that our audiologist at NB Hearing can help with.
Tinnitus
Often referred to as “ringing in the ears”, tinnitus is a symptom often describes as constant ringing, buzzing, clicking, humming – or other noises in the ears. It can be caused by exposure to loud noise, head or neck injuries, ear infections, certain autoimmune ear diseases, or certain medications. It is particularly important to seek an early assessment for any of the following reasons: If tinnitus has started suddenly; if it pulses or whooshes; if is heard primarily on ONE side; or if it is accompanied by dizziness or sudden hearing loss. Tinnitus can be managed! Once the underlying cause is identified, it may be amenable to medical management or auditory therapy.
Therapy with a skilled audiologist may include a combination of approaches, including but not limited to: A type of cognitive behavioural counselling, sound enrichment therapy, management of underlying hearing loss, retraining of the mind’s focus. A combination of several techniques is often helpful. There are many advertised techniques that have NO evidence-base, and therefore consulting a professional is advised. Help IS available.
Hyperacusis
A condition where people perceive normal levels of sound as extremely loud, and experience fear and discomfort in response, causing them to progressively avoid exposure to most sounds in every-day life. People with hyperacusis may find it difficult to hold a conversation in a normal tone of voice or go to a restaurant because of the noise level. Hyperacusis occurs when the interpretation and processing of the loudness of sound, is abnormal. It may have an anatomical basis, but most often, it has a perceptual or behavioural overlay that can be managed through unique therapy tailored to a patient’s needs. A skilled practitioner who has experience in managing hyperacusis can be positively life-changing.
Misophonia
A condition that causes people to feel intense anger, disgust, irritation, frustration, or fear, when they hear specific sounds. These sounds have become part of a conditioned behavioural response pattern that can be assessed and effectively managed by a skilled practitioner using specific counseling techniques and sound enrichment therapy.
Auditory Processing Disorder
Also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) or, just APD, is where a person has increased difficulty interpreting and understanding sound that is heard at the ear, but not correctly processed by the brain. Some (but not necessarily all) of the following problems may be experienced: significantly (and seemingly unexplainable) difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments; tremendous difficulty following sequential instructions or directions; difficulty differentiating between different sounds, or identifying the type, origin or direction of sound; difficulty developing reading and spelling skills; extreme distractibility or loss of focus for auditory information; and problems understanding intonation patterns that can affect one’s understanding of humour and other emotions. Management for auditory processing disorder begins with a comprehensive assessment of the difficulties, and will usually include therapy to improve listening skills, adaptation of the listening environment, use of additional non-auditory strategies to support communication; and/or use of assistive listening devices.
Audiologist Cape Town: Enhance Your Quality of Life
Book an appointment at any one of our practices across Cape Town for an improved quality of life by prioritising your hearing healthcare.