Reconnect to a world of sound
012 346 4515
081 361 6024
Get your hearing tested.
About
Izabelle Heymann
M Communication Pathology (UP)
Izabelle Heymann has been a practicing audiologist for the last 18 years with a deep love, respect and passion for Audiology. She completed her Masters Degree on hearing and middle ear functioning of scuba divers. She has worked in the industry both locally and internationally. Her career started in Private Practice, moved to Corporate Business, Training, Sales, Lecturing and has gone full circle back to Private Practice.
On a more personal note: She is happily married and a Mother of two lovely little girls, family being her true and deepest passion.
Carina Visser
B Communication Pathology (UP)
Carina Visser has worked as an audiologist in many different settings, including Private Practice, a Hearing Aid Manufacturer, Lecturing at universities, Presenting at national trainings and seminars and Consulting for various companies needing expertise in audiology.
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She is passionate about people, hearing and technology and enjoys combining these interests to make a difference in the field of audiology and in people's lives.
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When she is not spending time at the flying field with her husband, she indulges her passion for crochet and has recently published her first crochet book.
Services
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
This is an in-depth evaluation to determine if you have a hearing loss. Results will indicate the type of hearing loss as well as which treatment option would be ideal for you.
Hearing Aid Evaluations
Taking your specific hearing loss, lifestyle and preferences into account, we will guide you through the process of selecting the optimal solution for you.
Hearing Aid Fittings
Using state-of-the-art technology, we will program your custom-made hearing aids and take you step-by-step through the adaptation process.
Real Ear Measurements
We can scientifically verify the accuracy of your current hearing aid fitting by measuring the output of your hearing aids while taking the resonance of your ear canal into account.
Hearing Aid Batteries, Cleaning Supplies
We stock all sizes of hearing aid batteries as well as various cleaning and maintenance supplies, such as waxguards, dri aid kits, vent cleaners, etc
Hearing Aid Accessories
Make use of all the latest technology to seamlessly sync your hearing aids to your cellphone, TV, tablet, computer or any other bluetooth device.
Hearing Screening
A quick test to determine wether your hearing falls within normal limits and whether further evaluation is needed.
Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment
We make use of tinnitus matching and various questionnaires to determine the nature and severity of your tinnitus, after which a variety of treatment and management options can be implemented.
Articles
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Hearing Aid Myths
I only have trouble hearing certain sounds,
so I don't need hearing aids
If you are missing certain sounds you have a hearing loss. Inability to hear sounds like sh, s, th, f, etc. will impact your understanding of the overall word. Today's hearing aids provide amplification specifically in the areas where you need it. Just like reading glasses give definition to letters, hearing aids will provide definition and clarity to sound.
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I only need one hearing aid
Our brains are designed to work optimally with sound inputs from two sources, not just one. When you have hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids will help you localize sound. You will need less overall volume and you will hear speech significantly better in noisy environments.
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Everybody will see that I have hearing aids
Hearing aids have become smaller and much more discreet. There are many people around you who wear hearing aids that you are not aware of.
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Hearing aids are only for old people
Almost two thirds of people with hearing loss are under the age of 64
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If I don't like my hearing aids, I'm stuck with them
All hearing aid companies offer a 30-day money back guarantee. You can arrange a trial fitting with your audiologist.
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Hearing aids will make my ears lazy
The opposite is true. Just like regular exercise keeps your body fit, daily stimulation of the auditory pathways will keep your ears fit.
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FACT: Hearing loss is more noticeable than hearing aids
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Ringing in the Ears
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without the presence of an external sound source. Tinnitus is often referred to as ringing in the ears, but can also sound like humming, buzzing, hissing, swooshing or clicking and can be constant or periodic.
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What causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be triggered by a number of things. These can include hearing loss, stress, exposure to loud sound, specific diseases, high blood pressure, head or neck trauma, ear infections, certain medications and many more.
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What can make it worse?
Most people report that they are more aware of their Tinnitus in quiet environments. The same things that trigger Tinnitus, can also make it worse, the number one culprit being stress. Nicotine, alcohol and caffeine may also exacerbate Tinnitus in some individuals.
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What can be done?
Tinnitus should be evaluated holistically. More than 80% of people with
Tinnitus also have hearing loss. Start with a full diagnostic hearing evaluation as well as a thorough Tinnitus assessment by an experienced Audiologist. After the evaluation, all necessary referrals and management options can be discussed.
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It is possible to manage Tinnitus effectively.
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Fun Facts about Ears and Hearing
Did you know?
Throughout your lifetime, your outer ear never stops growing.
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The smallest bone in the human body is located in the middle ear - the stapes (or stirrup) measures about 3mm x 2.5mm.
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Your ears continue to hear sound, even when you are asleep, your brain simply learns to ignore specific incoming sounds.
Hearing is our fastest sense. You can recognize a sound in 50 milliseconds, while visual recognition takes your brain 250 milliseconds.
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Your ears play an important role in your balance - the vestibular system that governs balance is located in your inner ear.
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Not all animals have ears on their heads:
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Snakes use their tongues and jawbones to detect vibrations
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Cricket's hearing organs are on their knees
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Fish have ridges on their bodies that detect pressure changes, allowing them to "hear" approaching objects
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And finally, a giraffe can clean its ears with its 53cm tongue.
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Five ways to improve your hearing
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Visual cues
Visual cues (lip-reading and body language) form 55% of communication and help the brain to process speech sounds faster and more effectively.
Distance
In challenging listening environments, it helps to shorten the distance between you and the speaker. This might mean choosing a seat closer to the speaker in a meeting or closer to a loudspeaker at a conference.
Contextual clues
If you know the topic of the conversation, it will be easier to expect or guess the words you’ve missed.
Attention / Active listening
When you are tired, or multi-tasking, your attention is divided and you may miss a few words. Just as with hearing loss, you can become so used to not hearing everything that “tuning out” becomes a habit. Focus your attention on listening and engage actively in conversation.
Silence
Communicating in noisy environments (shopping malls, restaurants, parties) is difficult for all of us. Make use of the tips above, or ensure that important conversations are held in quieter environments.
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Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s:
Is there a link?
Studies show that elderly people with untreated hearing loss are more
likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
How does hearing loss affect my brain function?
With hearing loss (even a slight hearing loss), the processing of sound
is compromised and the ability to understand speech declines. When
the hearing areas of the brain become weaker, the higher level brain
areas attempt to compensate for these weaker areas which leaves them
unavailable to do their primary work like thinking, problem solving and
reasoning.
How can hearing aids help?
Research found that hearing aid users had no greater risk of cognitive
decline than those with normal hearing. The benefits of hearing aid
technology on higher level brain function (cognition) are well documented.
Hearing aids help your brain to focus on the primary cognitive jobs.
What else can I do to help my brain?
People with hearing loss often avoid social situations out of frustration or
embarrassment. However, research shows that being in social situations
is one of the best things to do to excercise and maintain your brain.
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Reference: Amieva et al., 2015; Packer, 2015
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179 Garstfontein Road
Cnr Garstfontein Rd & Matroosberg Rd
Ashlea Gardens
Pretoria
Tel: 012 346 4515
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Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30
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Derek Weston, 52
"I was really suffering with my hearing loss and my previous hearing aids were just not satisfactory. A friend recommended Heymann Visser Audiologists. They are extremely professional, always on top of the latest scientific and technological developments, but they are also very caring, practical and pragmatic in their approach. I really liked their support and guidance throughout the process, even between appointments - they go the extra mile.”
Hettie Erasmus, 84
"I must single out Izabelle's friendliness and professional conduct. I wish every person with hearing loss can experience the quality of hearing and service she provides."
Louis Louw, 63
"A very professional, yet friendly practice. You are not just a patient, you become part of the family. I actually look forward to my appointments.