Articles & guides
Short, plain-language articles on hearing, hearing aids, tinnitus, dizziness and balance — written for patients in South Africa.
Practice & logistics
Are you HPCSA registered?
Yes. Dr. Hendrika de Clercq is registered with the HPCSA as an audiologist and holds a Doctorate from the University of Pretoria.
7 August 2026
What areas do you serve?
We see patients from across Centurion, Midstream, Irene, Kyalami, Waterfall, Olifantsfontein, Sandton and greater Pretoria. Many travel from further afield for vestibular testing.
7 August 2026
How do I book an appointment?
Call 012 755 9711, WhatsApp 063 036 8932, or use the contact form. New-patient appointments are usually available within a week; urgent cases are prioritised the same day.
7 August 2026
Musicians' hearing protection: custom in-ear plugs
Custom moulded earplugs with acoustic filters reduce volume evenly across all frequencies. You still hear the music clearly — it's just quieter. Filters at -9, -15 and -25 dB.
7 August 2026
Occupational hearing tests for employers (noise-induced hearing loss)
South African law requires audiometric testing for staff exposed to noise above 85 dB(A). In-practice testing with reports formatted for the Compensation Commissioner.
7 August 2026
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Most paperwork is completed online before you come in. Bring previous hearing test results or hearing aids if you have them. For dizziness assessments, specific pre-test instructions apply.
7 August 2026
Where is Dr Hendrika de Clercq Audiologists located?
Suite 102, Midstream Hill Medical Park, Midstream Hill Boulevard, Midstream, Centurion, Gauteng. Free on-site parking and wheelchair access.
7 August 2026
Hearing aids
Bluetooth hearing aids and your phone
Modern hearing aids stream directly from a smartphone — phone calls, music, GPS, video calls — like high-end wireless earphones. iPhone and Android both supported.
7 August 2026
Will a hearing aid restore my hearing to normal?
No — hearing aids don't cure hearing loss, they help your brain re-learn to process the sounds you've been missing. Most patients see significant benefit within the first three months.
7 August 2026
How long do hearing aids last?
Modern hearing aids typically last about five years with proper care and annual servicing. Most come with a three-year warranty that covers services and factory issues.
7 August 2026
Rechargeable vs battery hearing aids: which is better?
Rechargeable is the right answer for most patients — easier to handle, lower ongoing cost, no waste. Batteries still win in specific cases.
7 August 2026
Can I try hearing aids before I buy them?
Yes — we offer a free trial period so you can wear the devices in your own environment (home, work, restaurants) before you commit.
7 August 2026
Children & schools
At what age should my child have a hearing test?
Newborns are screened at birth. The next practical windows are before pre-school (age 3–4) and before Grade 1. All children should be tested at least once before starting Grade 1.
7 August 2026
Grommets and hearing — what every parent should know
Grommets ventilate the middle ear and restore hearing affected by fluid. A follow-up hearing test after placement (and again once they fall out) is essential.
7 August 2026
School hearing screening drives
On-site hearing screening for pre-schools, primary schools and after-care groups in Centurion, Midstream, Irene and Pretoria East. Play-based, quick, per-child written report.
7 August 2026
What happens at a child's hearing test?
A child's hearing test is quick and painless. Babies and toddlers are tested with an automated OAE; older children play listening games. About 20 minutes with a written result on the day.
7 August 2026
Dizziness & balance
Why do I feel dizzy or off-balance?
Dizziness has many causes — inner-ear problems, blood-pressure changes, medication, migraine or neurological issues. We test the vestibular system to identify or exclude an inner-ear cause.
7 August 2026
What is Ménière's disease?
Ménière's disease is a chronic inner-ear condition causing attacks of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and ear pressure. Attacks last 20 minutes to several hours.
7 August 2026
Vestibular migraine — the most common cause of dizziness you've never heard of
Vestibular migraine is one of the most under-diagnosed causes of dizziness in adults. Episodes of vertigo, imbalance or motion sensitivity — often without a headache.
7 August 2026
Vestibular rehabilitation: what to expect
A structured, evidence-based exercise programme that retrains your balance system after inner-ear injury, BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Ménière's, concussion or age-related decline.
7 August 2026
What is BPPV? The most common cause of sudden vertigo
BPPV is caused by tiny crystals dislodging in the inner ear and is treated in one or two sessions with a simple repositioning manoeuvre. Most people walk out symptom-free.
7 August 2026
Symptoms & when to book
What are the early signs of hearing loss?
The first signs of hearing loss are usually social, not physical. Most people wait 7 years too long — a baseline test in your 40s or 50s is the sensible way to catch it early.
7 August 2026
I can hear but I can't understand — is that hearing loss?
Yes — and it's one of the most common early signs of high-frequency hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to early-onset dementia, so sooner is better.
7 August 2026
Do you see patients with sudden hearing loss?
Yes, and we prioritise them. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency — the sooner treatment starts, ideally within 72 hours, the better the chance of recovery.
7 August 2026
What is tinnitus and can it be treated?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source. It cannot always be cured, but it can almost always be managed with the right combination of interventions.
7 August 2026
Wax in the ears: when is it a problem?
Earwax is normal and mostly self-cleaning. You only need it removed if it blocks the ear canal or is causing symptoms. Never use cotton buds or ear candles.
7 August 2026
What does a hearing test actually measure?
A comprehensive hearing test maps the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches, how well you understand speech in noise, and whether your eardrum, middle ear and inner ear are working properly.
7 August 2026
When should I see an audiologist?
Book if you're asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV, struggling in restaurants, hearing ringing in your ears, or feeling dizzy. Sudden hearing loss is a 48–72-hour urgency.
7 August 2026
Costs & medical aid
How much do hearing aids cost in South Africa in 2026?
Modern hearing aids range from about R15 000 to R60 000 per ear, depending on technology level and the results of your hearing test.
7 August 2026
How much does a hearing test cost in South Africa?
A diagnostic hearing assessment in Midstream, Centurion costs between R1 200 and R1 600 depending on the specific tests and medical aid tariffs used.
7 August 2026
Do medical aids cover hearing aids in South Africa?
Most South African medical aids pay a portion towards hearing aids — usually every 2 to 5 years. We help you check your benefit and get authorization on your behalf.
7 August 2026
Do you accept medical aid at Dr Hendrika de Clercq Audiologists?
Yes. We are HPCSA-registered and can bill your medical aid directly for consultations, diagnostic tests and hearing aids where your scheme allows.
7 August 2026