Hannelie Kroon
• Tinnitus and Hyperacusis specialist
• Master’s degree in Tinnitus
• Specialised training received in Denmark, Guildford (UK) and London (UK)
• Guest lecturer and external examiner at UP
• Trained by the American Institute of Balance (USA)
About the Kroon Hearing, Tinnitus and Balance Clinic
Hannelie Kroon dreamt of a place where patients felt safe to discuss their difficulties and where they could be sure of excellent support and service on their journey to better communication when she founded the practice in 2011 at the Midstream Medical Centre. The practice was expanded in 2016 and relocated to the Midstream Hill Medical Park adjacent to the Mediclinic Midstream Hospital. The expression “Let’s hear it” refers to the 3 contexts of hearing better, talking to the therapist about their challenges with tinnitus, hyperacusis or balance disorders, or expressing one’s message successfully.
Hannelie Kroon
Practice Owner
Hannelie qualified as a dual speech-language therapist and audiologist (BCommunication Pathology) at the University of Pretoria in 2007. She holds her Master’s degree in Tinnitus (2018, UP). Hannelie has always been mesmerised by the phenomenon of Tinnitus and strived to enter this grey field of the profession. She pursued her dream of a world class Tinnitus Clinic by entering intensive training courses in Denmark in 2016 and in England in 2017 & 2019 on the latest developments in the assessment and treatment of tinnitus and hyperacusis. While engaging in this field she attracted many hyperacusis cases and discovered a new interest in helping people with sound sensitivity to restore their quality of life. She helps patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis on a daily basis and is regarded as a leader in the field. She acts as a guest lecturer and external examiner at the University of Pretoria and frequently presents at seminars and conferences. Hannelie was so inspired by her colleague Nandel’s passion for balance disorders that she pursued it herself. She was accredited by the American Institute of Balance in Florida, USA to evaluate and manage balance disorders. Since then there was no looking back as the practice is now equipped to offer the patients with complex pathology a holistic approach to better hearing, balance and quality of life – as was her ultimate dream when founding the practice in 2011. Hannelie also leads a neuro speech therapy team at a sub-acute facility in Midstream, providing rehabilitation therapy to patients with brain injuries.
Nandel Gouws
Nandel obtained her BsocSci (Psychology) degree in 2001, her BsocSci (Psychology) Hons in 2002 and her BCommunication Pathology degree in speech therapy and audiology at UP in 2006. She completed her Master’s degree in Audiology in 2017. Nandel’s passion lies in understanding the vestibular system, wanting to evaluate and treat patients with balance disorders. She attended post graduate courses in balance testing at UCT and was trained and accredited by the American Institute of Balance (Florida, USA). Apart from the complex diagnostics, she is especially interested in the relations between psychological aspects and balance and hearing conditions. Fitting in with the holistic philosophy of the practice, she joined Hannelie at the Birkbeck University in London to receive further specialised training in Tinnitus management. Nandel is now using her knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in both fields of Balance disorders and Tinnitus. This holistic approach is especially valuable for the patients presenting with both dizziness and tinnitus. Since joining our team in 2017, Nandel has added a whole new dimension to the clinic with her knowledge and expertise.
Emmie Fourie
Emmie is our superstar right hand in the practice. She is the initial contact with our patients and supports the administrative processes from start to finish, from booking the appointments to contact with the medical aids and manufacturers. She is also the one that will offer you a delicious cup of Nespresso when you arrive. Emmie joined our team in 2018 after 18 years of service in personal assistance. She is the actual boss of the practice as she tells us therapists what to do each day! Emmie knows how to handle emotional phone calls, emergencies and special requests. She is one of those vibrant positive people that brightens a room and she applies this skill well to maintain a cheerful atmosphere in the practice.
ENT
Sometimes, based on the test results or case history, patients may need further medical evaluation and treatment. We work with excellent Ear-, Nose- and Throat Specialists with special interest in various specialities such as ear surgeries, implantable devices and balance disorders. We make sure we communicate well to the specialists in order to provide our patients with a holistic and team approach. You will be in good hands!
Neurology
Symptoms and test results may suggest neurological involvement in some cases. For certain conditions, the help of a neurologist can make a huge difference. We know what to ask, what to look for and very importantly, of neurologists who can help you. We will make sure the neurologist has the information needed to put the bigger picture together in order to help you best.
Psychology
Suffering from tinnitus might leave one feeling overwhelmed, isolated and even frustrated. These are all valid and meaningful thoughts and emotions to have, therefore the central aim in therapy will be to create a supportive environment, break the isolation and address the way one respond to the tinnitus. Through Systemic- and Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy embedded in an Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA) therapeutic framework, clients and loved ones are guided and empowered to change thoughts and perceptions about tinnitus and adapt cognitive- and behavioural responses in order to experience less distress and enhance quality of life.