A calm, welcoming space at Life Wilgeheuwel

Speech,
Hearing
& Balance.

A sanctuary where expertise meets empathy. Specialist speech therapy, hearing care and balance services for neonates, children and adults, at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Radiokop, Roodepoort.

Book a Visit What to Expect
No referral needed to start a conversation
◰Practice / welcoming reception photo
Two specialists,
one team
Dual-qualified directors in both speech therapy and audiology, working side by side.
Scroll gently
◰Sam & Jenna, or a warm consulting moment
Detail
Founded by cousins
Our Story

Expertise
and empathy,
side by side.

SHBC was founded by cousins Samantha and Jenna on a simple belief: that true care begins with listening. We blend speech therapy, hearing care and balance services in one place, so it is never just about treating symptoms. It is about restoring equilibrium, and walking with you the whole way.

Samantha Young & Jenna de Villiers, Practice Directors
01

Dual-Qualified Leadership

Both directors hold qualifications in speech therapy and audiology, giving a rare, joined-up understanding of communication and hearing.

02

From Neonates to Adults

We care for every stage of life, from newborn hearing screening to paediatric therapy to adult audiology and balance.

03

Hospital-Based, Family-Focused

Set within Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, we pair hospital-grade resources with the warmth of a practice where you become part of the family.

What We Do

Three disciplines,
one caring team.

Whatever brings you to us, you will be looked after by people who treat the whole person, not just a symptom.

01

Audiology

Hearing care that reconnects you to the sounds, and the people, that matter most.

  • Diagnostic hearing assessments
  • Hearing aid fittings and follow-ups
  • CAPD assessment and intervention
  • Newborn and school screenings
  • Electrophysiological testing
Explore Audiology
02

Speech Therapy

Gentle, expert guidance towards clear and confident communication, in your own way.

  • Speech sound and language delays
  • Fluency disorders and stuttering
  • Dysphagia and swallowing
  • Autism and neurodevelopmental support
  • Adult neurological therapy
Explore Speech Therapy
03

Balance

A steady foundation to help you regain confidence in movement and in everyday life.

  • Vestibular assessments
  • Videonystagmography (VNG)
  • Head Impulse Testing
  • Vestibular rehabilitation
  • Medicolegal assessments
Explore Balance
More than a practice. A place where equilibrium is restored.
The SHBC Promise
Your First Visit

No surprises.
Just a gentle start.

Reaching out can feel like a big step. Here is exactly what happens, so you know what to expect before you ever walk through our doors.

01

You reach out

Call, WhatsApp or send the form. There is no referral needed to simply start a conversation.

02

We listen

Before any test, we sit with you and truly hear your story, your worries and your hopes.

03

A gentle assessment

Comfortable and paced to you, with everything explained in plain language as we go.

04

A plan, together

We talk through what we found and agree on the next steps, side by side, never rushed.

05

Ongoing support

You are part of our family now, and we walk each step of the journey with you.

You Are Welcome Here

It is okay
to ask for help.

Seeking support for speech, hearing or balance is a sign of strength, never something to feel uncertain about. Whatever has brought you here, you will be met with warmth and without judgement.

Met with Empathy

Every interaction is rooted in compassion and understanding, never judgement.

We Listen First

Your concerns lead every appointment, whether they feel big or small.

Never Rushed

Appointments move at your pace, with time to ask us anything at all.

A Familiar Face

See the same caring team each visit, so real trust has room to grow.

Patient Experiences

In the words
of our families.

“

A wonderful experience with friendly staff who explained the testing and results clearly, and made me feel comfortable throughout. The booking and admin were efficient too.

LLucy Leimer★★★★★
“

What an exceptional experience. My son and my father were cared for by the incredible Samantha Young. Everyone was so welcoming, and we felt at ease the whole time.

CClaire Whyte★★★★★
“

From beginning to end I was treated with such care. My audiologist was outstanding, endlessly patient, and explained everything in detail. I could not recommend them more highly.

DDanie Esterhuizen★★★★★
Ready When You Are

Take the first step
towards better balance.

Reach out to request an appointment or simply ask a question. We care for patients across Roodepoort, Radiokop, Northgate, Florida, Krugersdorp and beyond.

Request an Appointment Message on WhatsApp
Service / 01

Audiology Services at SHBC, Wilgeheuwel

Comprehensive hearing care for children and adults at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Roodepoort. From diagnostic testing to hearing aid fitting, our audiologists guide you through every step with clarity and care.

Book an Assessment
◰Audiology booth / hearing assessment

Hearing care for every stage of life, at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital.

Hearing, understood

Your hearing connects you to the people and the world around you. When something changes, it can feel isolating. Our role is to understand exactly what is happening, explain it clearly, and find the path forward that suits your life.

Every assessment at SHBC is thorough, comfortable and paced to you. We use hospital-grade diagnostic equipment at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, and we never use terminology without explaining what it means. Our audiologists take the time to sit with you, answer your questions, and make sure you leave with a clear picture of your hearing health.

What we offer

Our audiology services cover the full spectrum of hearing health, from newborn screening to complex adult assessments:

  • Pure Tone Audiometry | The standard diagnostic hearing test. We measure your hearing across a range of frequencies and volumes to build an accurate picture of how your ears are functioning. Results are explained to you in plain language before you leave.
  • Speech Audiometry | Hearing is about more than detecting sound. Speech audiometry measures how well you understand spoken words, helping us assess how hearing loss is affecting your day-to-day communication and quality of life.
  • Tympanometry and Middle Ear Assessment | This quick, non-invasive test evaluates the health of your middle ear, including the eardrum and the small bones behind it. It is particularly useful for detecting fluid, pressure changes, or blockages that may be affecting your hearing.
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) | OAE testing measures the response of the inner ear (cochlea) to sound. It is a key tool in newborn and paediatric hearing screening, and is used alongside other tests to identify the type and location of hearing loss.
  • Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) | ABR testing measures how the auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound. It is used when standard testing is not possible, such as with very young children or patients who are unable to respond behaviourally, and helps pinpoint neurological hearing conditions.
  • Hearing Aid Fitting and Rehabilitation | If hearing aids are recommended, we guide you through the selection, fitting, and adjustment process with patience. Our goal is not simply to fit a device; it is to ensure the hearing aid works for your life, your communication needs, and your comfort.
  • Paediatric Audiology | Children's hearing directly affects speech development, learning, and social connection. We offer child-friendly hearing assessments from newborn screening through to school age, using age-appropriate techniques that keep children comfortable and cooperative.
  • Industrial Audiology and Occupational Hearing Conservation | Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. We conduct occupational hearing assessments for employees in noisy work environments, supporting businesses in meeting their legal obligations under South African occupational health legislation.
  • Tinnitus Assessment and Management | Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or noise in the ears) is a complex condition that affects concentration, sleep, and emotional well-being. We assess the nature and severity of your tinnitus and develop a personalised management plan to help reduce its impact on your daily life.
  • Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Assessment | APD affects the way the brain processes sound, even when hearing sensitivity is normal. It often presents as difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, inconsistent listening, or challenges in school. Our detailed APD assessments help identify the specific processing difficulties so that targeted support can begin.

What is a CAPD assessment?

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty interpreting what the ears hear, even when standard hearing thresholds are normal. It is most commonly identified in school-age children who struggle in noisy classrooms, find it hard to follow spoken instructions, or have unexpected reading and spelling difficulties despite passing routine hearing tests. Our CAPD assessment includes a comprehensive battery of tests and a tailored management report.

Newborn and school hearing screening in Roodepoort

Early identification of hearing loss is one of the most important gifts you can give a child. We perform newborn hearing screenings at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital and school-based hearing screening programmes. If a child does not pass a screening, we provide full diagnostic follow-up at the same practice.

Who it is for

From the very first days of life through to adulthood and beyond. Whether you are a parent wanting peace of mind, an adult noticing a change, or someone needing a formal assessment for occupational or medicolegal purposes, you are in caring hands.

Service / 02

Speech Therapy Services at SHBC, Wilgeheuwel

Supporting communication, language, and swallowing for children and adults at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Roodepoort. Our speech therapists work with you at your own pace, in a space where you are genuinely heard.

Book a Session
◰Therapist with child / play-based session

Speech therapy for children and adults in Roodepoort and Johannesburg West.

Every voice matters

Communication is at the heart of how we connect, learn and belong. When it feels difficult, whether for a child finding their first words or an adult relearning them, our therapists meet each person exactly where they are.

Speech therapy at SHBC is warm and often playful, especially for children. We work in partnership with families, celebrate progress however it comes, and tailor every session to what matters most to you. Our therapists include PROMPT-trained clinicians, bringing internationally recognised, evidence-based techniques for motor speech disorders.

What we offer

We provide speech-language therapy across a wide range of conditions, for children and adults:

  • Paediatric Speech and Language Delays | Some children reach communication milestones later than expected. We assess where your child currently is, identify what is contributing to the delay, and build a therapy plan that supports their development in a way that feels natural, not clinical.
  • Articulation and Phonological Disorders | Difficulty producing specific sounds, or patterns of sound errors that make speech hard to understand, can affect a child's confidence and social development. We work on the underlying sound system in a structured, encouraging environment.
  • Stuttering and Fluency Disorders | Stuttering is more than a speech pattern. It affects confidence, social participation, and self-image. We provide evidence-based fluency therapy for children and adults, combining practical techniques with emotional support.
  • Voice Disorders (Dysphonia) | Hoarseness, vocal fatigue, loss of voice, or changes in vocal quality can have a significant impact on daily life and professional function. We assess the nature of the voice difficulty and develop a rehabilitation programme to restore healthy vocal function.
  • Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties) | Difficulty swallowing can affect eating, drinking, and nutrition, and carries safety risks if not properly managed. Our speech therapists conduct thorough swallowing assessments and work with patients and families to implement safe, practical strategies.
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) | For patients who are unable to rely on speech as their primary means of communication, AAC offers a pathway to connection. We assess communication needs and introduce low-tech and high-tech tools that give patients a voice, regardless of verbal ability.
  • School Readiness and Literacy Support | Language skills are foundational to reading and writing. We identify and address speech and language factors that may place a child at risk for literacy difficulties, providing targeted support ahead of or during formal schooling.
  • Adult Neurological Rehabilitation | Acquired communication disorders following stroke, brain injury, or neurological illness require specialist rehabilitation. We support patients with aphasia, dysarthria, and cognitive-communication difficulties, working toward the best possible return of function and independence.
  • Social Communication and Pragmatic Language | Some individuals, including those on the autism spectrum or with social communication differences, find the unspoken rules of conversation and interaction difficult to navigate. We provide structured, supportive therapy to build social communication skills in real-world contexts.

What is PROMPT therapy?

PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) is an internationally recognised, tactile-kinaesthetic approach to treating motor speech disorders. It is particularly effective for children with childhood apraxia of speech. SHBC has PROMPT-trained therapists on our team, bringing specialist expertise to children who need it most.

Signs a child may benefit from speech therapy

Early intervention leads to significantly better outcomes. Consider booking an assessment if your child is not saying their first words by 12 months, not combining two words by 24 months, is difficult to understand by age three, or is struggling with reading, spelling or following instructions at school.

Who it is for

Babies, toddlers, school children, teenagers and adults. Wherever you are on your journey, every session is tailored to your goals, your pace and your life.

Service / 03

Balance and Vestibular Services at SHBC, Wilgeheuwel

Specialist assessment and rehabilitation for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Roodepoort. If the world feels like it will not stay still, we can help you find your footing again.

Book an Assessment
◰Vestibular / VNG testing room

Specialist vestibular assessment and rehabilitation at Life Wilgeheuwel, Radiokop.

Finding steady ground

Dizziness and vertigo can be unsettling and, at times, frightening. They can affect your confidence in the simplest daily moments, from walking in a supermarket to getting up from bed. Our balance service is built to understand the cause, explain it clearly, and help you feel secure on your feet once more.

Using advanced vestibular diagnostic equipment, we identify exactly what is happening in your balance system and design a personalised rehabilitation programme that gently rebuilds your stability and your confidence.

What is the vestibular system?

The vestibular system sits in the inner ear and works with your vision and sense of touch to maintain balance and spatial orientation. When it is not functioning correctly, the result can be dizziness, a spinning sensation (vertigo), unsteadiness, or difficulty with everyday movement. Vestibular disorders are more common than many people realise and are highly treatable with the right assessment and rehabilitation.

What we offer

Our balance and vestibular services include advanced diagnostic testing and personalised rehabilitation:

  • Vestibular Assessment | A comprehensive evaluation of the vestibular system (the balance organs of the inner ear) to identify the source and nature of dizziness, vertigo, or balance difficulties. Assessment findings guide a targeted, evidence-based treatment plan.
  • Videonystagmography (VNG) | VNG is a diagnostic test that records eye movements to evaluate the function of the inner ear and the parts of the brain responsible for balance. It is a detailed, objective measure used to distinguish between different types of vestibular disorder.
  • Canalith Repositioning (Epley Manoeuvre) | The Epley Manoeuvre is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), a common cause of brief, intense spinning episodes triggered by head movement. Most patients experience significant relief within one to three sessions.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) | VRT is a specialised exercise programme designed to retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear dysfunction. It addresses ongoing dizziness, visual disturbance during movement, and unsteadiness, and is adapted to each patient's specific presentation and lifestyle.
  • BPPV Assessment and Treatment | BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Displaced crystals in the inner ear trigger brief but intense spinning sensations with position changes. We conduct the diagnostic positional tests to confirm BPPV and perform the appropriate repositioning treatment.
  • Fall Risk Assessment | For older adults or patients with neurological conditions, unsteadiness significantly increases the risk of falls. We assess the contributing factors to balance difficulty and develop a rehabilitation and safety plan to reduce fall risk and support independence.
  • Dizziness and Vertigo Assessment | Dizziness is a symptom, not a diagnosis. We conduct a structured clinical assessment to determine whether your dizziness is vestibular, cardiovascular, neurological, or multifactorial in origin, and coordinate with other specialists where needed.
  • Central versus Peripheral Vestibular Disorder Differentiation | Not all balance disorders originate in the inner ear. Some have central (brain-based) causes that require different management pathways. Our clinical assessment differentiates between peripheral and central vestibular conditions, ensuring you receive the right referral or treatment from the outset.

What is vestibular rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is an evidence-based, exercise-based therapy programme that helps the brain compensate for vestibular problems. It is highly effective for conditions including Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, and unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Each programme is tailored to your specific symptoms, test findings and goals.

What is VNG testing?

Videonystagmography (VNG) is a diagnostic test that uses specialised goggles to track eye movements and assess the function of the vestibular system. Because the inner ear balance system and the eye movement system are closely connected, VNG provides objective, precise information about where a vestibular problem is occurring. The test is painless and non-invasive.

Who it is for

Anyone living with dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness or a fear of falling. We work closely with you, and with your wider care team, towards lasting equilibrium. If your GP or ENT has referred you for vestibular assessment, you are in the right place.

The People Behind SHBC

The team who
will look after you.

A family of compassionate professionals who combine real skill with genuine care, always focused on you and the people you love.

◰SHBC team
Practice Directors
◰Samantha Young
Practice Director · Speech Therapist & Audiologist

Samantha Young

Dual-qualified in speech therapy and audiology, Samantha brings a joined-up understanding of communication and hearing, and a deep commitment to patient-centred care.

◰Jenna de Villiers
Practice Director · Speech Therapist & Audiologist

Jenna de Villiers

Also dual-qualified, Jenna pairs clinical expertise with warmth and patience, ensuring every family feels heard, understood and genuinely supported.

Clinical Team
◰Team member
Audiologist

Ashleigh Smith

Ashleigh is a compassionate Audiologist who takes pride in making every patient feel comfortable, heard and understood. With a calm, thorough approach, she guides patients through hearing assessments, results and aftercare in a way that feels clear and reassuring. Her patience and attention to detail help families make confident decisions about their hearing health.

◰Team member
Speech Therapist

Ashleigh Fraser

Ashleigh is a dedicated Speech Therapist with a passion for supporting both children and adults through communication challenges. She brings patience, creativity, and genuine care to every session, helping patients find their voice and build confidence at every stage of life.

◰Team member
Adult Neuro Speech Therapist

Joanne Blane

Joanne holds dual qualifications in both Speech Therapy and Audiology, giving her a uniquely holistic view of each patient's needs. She is known for her calm, thorough approach and her ability to connect meaningfully with patients across all age groups.

Practice Team
◰Team member
Reception

Glynis Krebser

Glynis is our dedicated receptionist, bringing over 25 years of experience as a marketing manager from Life Wilgeheuwel to SHBC. Her exceptional organizational skills and positive attitude create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. In addition to her professional talents, Glynis is a gifted seamstress and enjoys sewing and embroidery in her leisure time.

◰Team member
Accounts

Arlene Cloete

Arlene is our accounts specialist, boasting extensive experience in both the financial and medical sectors. Her wealth of knowledge is invaluable to our team. An adventurous spirit, she spends her free time exploring the great outdoors and embracing nature.

Join Us

We are always glad to hear from caring professionals.

Get in Touch
Before You Visit

Questions,
gently answered.

Everything you might want to know before your first visit. If your question is not here, we would be glad to chat.

Still wondering
about something?

We are always happy to talk things through before you book. Call us, send a WhatsApp, or drop us a note and we will get back to you.

Contact Us
No referral is needed to make an appointment or to ask a question. You are welcome to contact us directly. If a referral is helpful for your medical aid, we will gladly guide you.
We begin by listening. Before any testing, we take time to understand your history and your concerns. Any assessment is then explained as we go, and we talk through the findings and next steps together, never rushed.
Our hearing and balance assessments are painless and non-invasive. Speech therapy sessions are warm and often playful, especially for children. You are always free to pause and ask anything at any point.
Yes. We care for every stage of life, from newborn hearing screening and paediatric speech therapy through to adult audiology, balance rehabilitation and medicolegal assessments.
It depends on the service, though most first appointments take between 45 and 90 minutes. We will give you a clear idea when you book, and we never hurry your time with us.
SHBC is a cash practice, which means payment is made directly on the day of your appointment. Our reception team will still gladly help with medical aid enquiries and provide the invoices, codes and information you may need to submit a claim yourself. If you are unsure about your benefits, you are welcome to ask us what to check with your scheme before your visit.
We are at Suite 5B, Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital in Radiokop, Roodepoort, with convenient hospital parking on site. Full directions are on our contact page.
We try to see you as soon as possible and will always do our best to accommodate urgent concerns. Get in touch and our reception team will find a time that suits you.
Get in Touch

Request
a visit.

Fill in the form and our reception team will be in touch to confirm a time. You are also welcome to call us or send a WhatsApp whenever suits you.

Our reception team will contact you within one business day to confirm your appointment. Everything you share with us is treated with care and confidence.

WhatsApp
066 200 4644
Find Us
Suite 5B, Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital
Radiokop, Roodepoort, 1724
Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00
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