About Us
Heather Prentice BA, DipAud, MAudSA (CCP), M.IAA
Graduating from Australian National University in 1995 with a BA (majors in Psychology, Linguistics and Sociology), Heather went on to graduate in 1996 from Macquarie University in studies of Audiology. She entered in to this profession as she wanted to work in an industry that she not only loved but was able to make a difference to people’s lives. With a particular interest in Linguistics and a grandfather and father with hearing loss, Audiology became the practical profession for her to enter in to.
“I get a real sense of satisfaction and joy when I know I have been able to help someone genuinely hear better again. Whatever your age, not being able to hear properly becomes incredibly isolating as we often withdraw from situations that become too exhausting to join in to. It’s so important for our mental and emotional wellbeing to keep in touch with the people around us and good hearing is such an integral part of remaining connected with our family, friends and community.”
Having worked for a number of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturing companies both in management and as a consultant, Heather has gained a wealth of experience in prescription of hearing aids and is able to put this knowledge to practice by recommending the most up to date technology to her patients; be this in hearing aids, devices to assist children with listening difficulties at school or audiological diagnostic skills.
Heather has a particular interest in assessing and working with children who may have an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and has recently furthered her studies in this area. She uses the most current tests available in assessing for an APD including the LiSN-S test developed by the National Acoustics Laboratories. This test identifies children who have a specific type of APD being a Spatialised Auditory Processing Disorder.
Additionally, Heather works with schools, community health centres and allied health professionals by providing information sessions to increase awareness on all matters relating to the ear and hearing and is particularly keen to spread the word on prevention of hearing loss rather than remediation; especially with the younger generations.
Heather is a full member of the Audiological Society of Australia, Independent Audiologists Australia, Central Sydney Allied Health Network (division of the Medicare Local program for the Inner West) and has a qualified practitioner number with both the Office of Hearing Services and Medicare.