Ear acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine where small sterile needles are inserted into the external ear (pinna). I do not practice this technique but please ignore me for a moment and read on. Acupuncture has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for over 2500 years. It has been used to treat different

Are cell phones responsible for vestibular schwannomas, I am often asked.  A vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a tumour that originates on the hearing and balance nerve. Cell phones have become an indispensable part of human life. It is nearly unheard of any young person not in possession of one. Even smaller children carry them

The latest cochlear implant from MED-EL, the Synchrony, allows for MRI of up to 3 Tesla. It is the only cochlear implant (CI) on the market capable of doing so. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can now be performed without first having to surgically remove the magnet of the device.  The implant also does not need

Recently an episode of a new television documentary was filmed by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai)) in the rooms of Dr Hofmeyr in Pretoria. They conducted an interview with Mr. Timothy Dreyer, a patient with sclerosteosis, while Dr H Hamersma was present. Dr H Hamersma, now retired, is one of the world experts

BPPV leads to falls in the elderly. BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo and dizziness in patients. It is often referred to as “loose crystals” in the ear by physicians. In especially the elderly population, BPPV increases the risk of falling. BPPV is the most common form of vertigo,

With the school holidays close at hand and a lot of people about to travel I am often asked what the risk of vertigo during travelling is. Many patients that suffer with dizziness, vertigo or vestibular disorders have a fear of travelling, of getting sick, suffering vertigo attacks and feeling miserable afterwards. This is a

Cochlear implantation for vestibular schwannoma (VS) may be a viable option to improve hearing. There is strong evidence in the literature that VS patients benefit and use their implants. Results compare well with other patients who have been implanted for single sided deafness (SSD). The cochlear implant (CI) can be inserted during the primary surgical removal of

A new book on vertigo with contribution by Dr Hofmeyr recently saw the light. The second edition of ‘Vertigo and Disequilibrium: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Management’, edited by Peter C. Weber is now available. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=””

A keloid or a keloidal scar is an abnormal tissue reaction that occurs in some patients.  Keloid after earlobe piercing is unwanted reaction of excessive scar formation. It can form on different parts of the body. It occurs after earlobe piercing or trauma to the ear in some unlucky patients. The main problem with these

Beware of Bells palsy in children as this may be the wrong diagnosis! It may actually be sclerosteosis (marble bone disease). Bells palsy is a rare condition and is estimated to occur in 18- 20 per 100 000 children per year. It is characterized by the rapidly evolving initial facial paralysis, involving usually one side