Frequently asked questions

A comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment at Dr Hendrika de Clercq Audiologists in Midstream, Centurion costs between R1 200 – R1 600, depending on the specific tests to be done and the medical aid tariffs used. Most medical aids reimburse this from your day-to-day / consultation benefit. If you don’t have medical aid, we use private tariffs that amount to R1 200 – R1 300.

Modern hearing aids range from roughly R15 000 to R60 000 per ear depending on technology level and the results of your hearing test. Entry-level digital devices start around R15 000; premium rechargeable aids with Bluetooth and AI noise reduction sit at the top end. We fit devices from all major manufacturers (Oticon, Phonak, Signia/Siemens, Widex, Beltone, Starkey/Medifix) and always give a specific quote before you commit.

Yes, most medical aid schemes pay a portion — usually every 2 to 5 years — from your Prescribed Minimum Benefits or a dedicated hearing-aid benefit. Cover varies widely: Discovery, Bonitas, Bestmed, GEMS and Momentum all have hearing-aid benefits, but the amount ranges from R6 000 to over R30 000 per ear. We help you check your specific benefit before you decide and will get authorization on your behalf if required.

Book an appointment if you’re asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV, struggling in restaurants, experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or feeling dizzy or off-balance. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a medical urgency — see us within 48–72 hours if possible.

The first signs are usually social, not physical: missing parts of conversations in background noise, mishearing on the phone, feeling tired after group conversations, and family telling you the TV is too loud. Most people wait 7 years too long — a baseline test in your 40s or 50s is the sensible way to catch it early. Thereafter, we monitor your hearing annually and if needed, further intervention is recommended.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing) with no external source. It cannot always be cured, but it can almost always be managed with a combination of hearing aids, sound therapy, cognitive strategies and, where relevant, treating an underlying hearing loss. We assess and manage tinnitus at the practice.

Dizziness has many causes — inner-ear problems (BPPV, Ménière’s, vestibular neuritis), blood-pressure changes, medication, migraine or neurological issues. As audiologists we test the inner-ear (vestibular) system to identify or exclude an inner-ear cause and refer on where needed. A vestibular assessment typically takes about an hour. Important pre-test information will be sent to you prior to your appointment as certain food, medication and drinks should not be taken for 48 hours prior to testing.

BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is the most common cause of sudden vertigo — brief but intense spinning when you roll over in bed, lie down or look up. It’s caused by tiny crystals dislodging in the inner ear and is treated in one or two sessions with a simple repositioning manoeuvre (Epley). Most people walk out symptom-free.

Newborns are screened at birth; if your child missed that, the next practical windows are before starting pre-school (age 3–4) and before Grade 1. Book sooner if there’s delayed speech, frequent ear infections, or a family history of hearing loss. All children should be tested at least once before they go to Grade 1.

Modern hearing aids typically last about five years with proper care and regular servicing. Most hearing aids have a three-year warranty which covers annual services and factory issues. Battery life on rechargeables is a full day per charge; disposable batteries last 5–10 days. Regular cleaning and annual services extend their working life significantly.

No — hearing aids don’t cure hearing loss, they help your brain re-learn to process the sounds you’ve been missing. Most patients get significant benefit within the first 3 months, especially in one-on-one conversation. Realistic expectations, consistent wearing of the hearing aids, follow-up appointments and a proper fitting are what determine success.

Yes. We offer a free trial period so you can wear the devices in your own environment — home, work, restaurants — before you commit. Adjustments are made during follow-ups so the fit is right for your lifestyle.

Call 012 755 9711, WhatsApp 063 036 8932, or use the contact form on our website. New-patient appointments are usually available within a week; urgent cases (sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo) are prioritised the same day where possible.

All patient forms are completed online prior to your appointment, you can also upload your medical aid card and ID. A questionnaire with all your previous hearing history should be completed, including any additional information and a list of all the medication you currently take. You can bring any previous hearing test results or hearing aids with you when you come in. If you’re coming for dizziness, specific instructions will be given to be followed for 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Yes, and we prioritise them. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency — the sooner treatment (usually oral steroids from an ENT plus audiological assessment) starts, ideally within 72 hours, the better the chance of recovery. Phone us on 012 755 9711 the same day.