Vicky Hoek Audiology

Today, we celebrate the remarkable dedication and tireless efforts of our team and all workers around the globe. Your commitment to excellence doesn't just support our mission; it propels it forward, enabling us to continue providing top-tier audiology services and innovative hearing solutions.

Thank you for your resilience, your passion, and your indispensable contributions to the world we live in.

Let’s continue to support each other and strive for excellence in all we do. Here’s to making every day a step towards for better hearing, and a better world!

Today is World Kidney day!

Vicky Hoek Audiology is now on WhatsApp.

Hearing is a step towards vision, and understanding each other.

Remember to book an appointment with our Audiologists for regarding your hearing healthcare needs.

For more information about the network or to book a hearing test visit: www.reconnectnetwork.co.za/find-an-audiologist

Even if your baby passes the newborn hearing screening, you should still watch for possible signs of hearing loss as your child grows. Talk with your audiologist/pediatrician if your child:

•Doesn't startle at loud noises by 1 month or turn toward sounds by 3-4 months of age.

•Doesn't notice you until he/she sees you.

•Concentrates on vibrating noises more than other types of sounds.

•Doesn't seem to enjoy being read to.

•Is slow to begin talking, hard to understand, or doesn't say single words such as "dada" or "mama" by 12 to 15 months of age. By the age of 2 years, they should be using 2 word phrases and have a vocabulary of 20-70 words.

•Doesn't always respond when called, especially from another room.

•Seems to hear some sounds but not others. (Some hearing loss affects only high-pitched sounds; some children have hearing loss in only one ear.)

•Has trouble holding his or her head steady or is slow to sit or walk unsupported. (In some children with sensorineural hearing loss, the part of the inner ear that provides information about balance and movement of the head is also damaged.)

•Wants the TV volume louder than other members of the family.

(source - healthy children.org)

If my baby passes the first hearing test, why is more screening needed?

Hearing loss sometimes is gradual and hard to notice at first. Routine screenings can catch hearing changes early.

Remember: Timing is everything. The sooner hearing changes are identified in a baby, the more likely interventions can help him/her reach his/her full potential. Talk with your audiologist or pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's hearing.

(source - healthy children.org)

If my baby is identified as deaf or hard of hearing, what are the treatment and intervention options?

If your baby's audiologist confirms hearing changes, treatment and early intervention with a team of providers should start as soon as possible. Studies show your baby will have the best chance for spoken language development―on par with that of hearing peers―if any hearing changes are discovered, and support and intervention begins before 6 months of age. The earlier, the better.

The audiologist can tell you the type and degree of hearing change and what the next steps are.

(source - healthy children.org)

What if my baby does not pass the initial hearing screening?

If your baby does not pass the hearing screening at birth, it does not necessarily mean that he/she is deaf or hard of hearing. Fluid or vernix inside the baby's ear, for example could affect the results. But to be sure, it is extremely important to have further testing done.

Be sure to talk with your baby's audiologist and pediatrician about scheduling further tests if your baby does not pass the initial hearing screening at birth. The additional testing is usually done at 6 weeks, but before your baby is 3 months old.

(source - healthy children.org)

There are two screening methods that may be used:

•Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR)—this screen measures how the hearing nerve and brain respond to sound. Clicks or tones are played through soft earphones into the baby's ears. Three electrodes placed on the baby's head measure the hearing nerve and brain’s response.

•Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)—This screen measures sound waves produced in the inner ear. A tiny probe is placed just inside the baby's ear canal. It measures the response (echo) when clicks or tones are played into the baby's ears.

Both screens are quick (about 5 to 10 minutes), painless, and may be done while your baby is sleeping or lying still. One or both screens may be used.
(Source - healthy children.org)

DID YOU KNOW? 1 to 3 of every 1,000 babies born worldwide have hearing levels outside the typical range.

Before you bring your new-born home from the hospital, your baby needs to have a hearing screening.

The hearing screening is a first and important step in helping understand if your baby may be deaf or hard of hearing. Without new-born hearing screening, it is hard to know when there are hearing changes in the first months and years of your baby's life.
If the hearing status is not identified, it may have negative effects on the baby's communication and language skills. Longer term, a missed hearing loss can also impact the child's academic achievement and social-emotional development.

( Source - healthy children.org )

10-16 February is pregnancy awareness week.
Did you know that a baby can hear by 18 weeks into the pregnancy? They will be able to recognize mom and dad’s voice even before they are born! From birth, one important way babies can learn is through listening and hearing. Stay tuned to learn more about hearing screening the next couple of days.

Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful. Hazrat Inayat Khan

For solutions to suit your needs make an appointment with one of the in our network at www.reconnectnetwork.co.za

Difficult days makes you appreciate the days of ease.

For solutions to suit your needs make an appointment with one of the in our network at www.reconnectnetwork.co.za

A majority of people are affected by tinnitus, some even find it bothersome and it has a significant effect on their quality of life. However, treatment options are available that offer relief.

Are you questioning if you have a hearing loss? Ask yourself these questions...
If any of these questions feels true to you, contact us and book your appointment for a hearing evaluation.