To elevate tinnitus care, Liezel has made a significant investment in her practice by enrolling her current masters degree audiologist, Kimberley-Rose De Ridder, in one of the world’s foremost tinnitus Masterclass courses. She is one of only two South African audiologists on this course and the only audiologist in Cape Town. This specialised program is hosted by the Hashir International Specialist Clinics & Research Institute for Misophonia, Tinnitus, and Hyperacusis in London, a renowned institution known for its cutting-edge research and education in auditory disorders.
In a world filled with symphonies of sounds, there lies an unsettling dissonance that affects millions: tinnitus. For many, these symptoms manifest as a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, an incessant noise that disrupts daily life and leads to severe emotional and psychological repercussions. Unfortunately, patients with tinnitus often find themselves lost in a sea of practitioners who may not fully understand the complexities of this condition. Recognising this urgent need, Liezel Kotze, the practice owner of Hearing Balance Cape Town and Liezel Kotze Audiology, has taken significant strides to provide specialised care for this misunderstood auditory disorder.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is more than just an annoying sound; it can be debilitating. It is often described as an auditory hallucination, where individuals perceive sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking, without any external auditory source. Varying from mild to severe, tinnitus can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, significantly impacting quality of life. For many, these symptoms can persist for years, leaving them feeling isolated and hopeless.
Despite the high prevalence of tinnitus in our society, specialised services in its management remain scarce in areas like Cape Town. Most clinics lack the advanced knowledge and tailored treatment plans for effectively managing this condition. This is where Liezel Kotze and her team aim to bridge the gap.
Investing in expertise: a new dawn in tinnitus management
The course uniquely focuses on equipping practitioners with advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills specific to tinnitus management. Having completed additional training in psychology for counselling, Kimberley brings a significant advantage to the practice. Her understanding of CBT techniques adds a deeper layer of emotional and psychological support to patients struggling with the mental burden of tinnitus.
What the Masterclass entails
This Masterclass is designed for professionals who aspire to be advanced practitioners in running specialised rehabilitation programs for individuals with tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia. Participants in this course learn to apply specialist CBT techniques in clinical settings, focusing on tailored rehabilitation for both children and adults.
Beyond CBT applications, the course covers an extensive curriculum that includes theories and clinical skills in tinnitus management. This comprises:
- Clinical Protocols: The curriculum presents structured clinical protocols for both 6-session and 14-session CBT interventions specifically for managing tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia.
- Psychoacoustic and Audiological Measures: Understanding the various measures that assess the severity and impact of tinnitus.
- Neurobiological Mechanisms: A deep dive into the neurobiological underpinnings of tinnitus and hyperacusis to offer insights into effective treatments.
- Patient Education & Referrals: Training includes strategies for educating patients on their conditions and appropriate referrals to ENT and mental health professionals as needed.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Participants will learn the importance of incorporating evidence-based practices into service development and patient care.
- Telehealth Innovations: In today’s digital world, the course also covers methods to integrate telehealth into tinnitus management.
A path to relief
Liezel’s investment in Kimberley signifies a pivotal shift in the quality of care for tinnitus patients in Cape Town. With these newly acquired skills and expertise, Kimberley is equipped with world class individualised treatment plans that address tinnitus’s physical and emotional aspects.
For those grappling with tinnitus’s challenges, it’s crucial to seek help from a compassionate and knowledgeable professional. If you or someone you know is experiencing bothersome tinnitus, Liezel Kotze and her dedicated team at Hearing Balance Cape Town are ready to help.
Your journey to relief can begin with a simple step—contact their practice and make an appointment today. With their specialised care, you won’t have to face tinnitus alone; a path to understanding, management, and comfort awaits you.