NB Hearing & Balance

Misophonia. When Everyday Sounds Feel Overwhelming

Imagine sitting around the dinner table with your family. Everyone is chatting and enjoying the moment. But while everyone else seems relaxed, one person feels completely overwhelmed by the sound of chewing, tapping, or even the way someone breathes. The sound may be ordinary to everyone else, but to that person, it feels impossible to ignore. This is the reality for many people living with misophonia, a condition where certain sounds trigger intense emotional or physical reactions. These reactions are not about being “too sensitive” or simply disliking a noise. For someone with misophonia, specific sounds can create a powerful response that may include irritation, anxiety, anger, distress, or the need to escape the situation. Understanding misophonia can help individuals, families, and communities create more supportive environments. What is Misophonia? Misophonia literally means “hatred of sound,” but the experience is often more complex than simply disliking certain noises. People with misophonia usually have specific trigger sounds that create an immediate reaction. Common triggers may include sounds such as: The important thing to understand is that the response is not always connected to how loud the sound is. A quiet sound may feel much more distressing than a loud one because of the way the brain processes and responds to that specific trigger. For someone without misophonia, the sound may fade into the background. For someone with misophonia, the brain may treat it as something requiring immediate attention. How Misophonia May Look in Everyday Life An adult with misophonia may find themselves avoiding certain social situations, such as dinners, meetings, or travelling with others. They may choose where they sit in a room to reduce exposure to trigger sounds or may feel exhausted after spending time in environments where they have been trying to manage their reactions. Some people describe feeling frustrated because they know the sound itself is harmless, yet their reaction feels automatic and difficult to control. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Others may think that the person is being rude, impatient, or overly critical, when in reality they are trying to manage a very real sensory response. Children can also experience misophonia, but they may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. A child may leave the room during meals, become upset by classroom sounds, struggle to concentrate, or appear frustrated in situations where certain noises are present. Parents may notice their child reacting strongly to sounds that others do not seem to notice. The child may say things like “make that stop” or “I can’t handle that sound,” but may not be able to explain why. Supporting Someone With Misophonia Living with someone who experiences misophonia can sometimes feel confusing. The most helpful thing families, friends, and colleagues can do is approach it with understanding rather than judgment. A person with misophonia is not choosing their reaction. Their response is often automatic, and criticism or frustration can make the experience more difficult. Simple adjustments can make a meaningful difference. This may include allowing someone to move seats, using background sound such as music or a fan, or being mindful of known triggers when possible. Communication is also important. Instead of focusing on “why does this bother you?”, try asking “what can I do to make this situation easier for you?” Creating a supportive environment does not mean avoiding all sounds or changing everything around one person. It means recognising that sensory experiences can differ from person to person. Living With Misophonia: Finding Ways Forward Many people spend years believing they are the only ones experiencing these reactions, when in fact misophonia is becoming increasingly recognised. Understanding your triggers, learning how your body responds, and finding strategies that work for your lifestyle can help reduce the impact misophonia has on your daily activities. The goal is not necessarily to eliminate every trigger sound from life, as this would be unrealistic. Instead, support focuses on improving comfort and the ability to participate in everyday experiences. How Can an Audiologist Help With Misophonia? At NB Hearing and Balance, we support several patients with sound sensitivity concerns. While misophonia is not simply a hearing problem, an audiologist can assess how a person hears and processes sound, helping to identify whether there are related hearing sensitivities or other contributing factors. A comprehensive hearing evaluation can help rule out underlying hearing concerns and provide a clearer understanding of the individual’s auditory profile. Audiologists can also provide guidance and support through approaches such as sound management strategies, education about auditory processing, and recommendations for managing challenging sound environments. You Are Not Alone Sound is an important part of how we connect with the world, and misophonia can affect relationships, school, work, and quality of life.  If you or someone you care about is struggling with sound sensitivity, our audiologists can help you better understand what is happening and explore ways to improve quality of life. At NB Hearing & Balance, we support children and adults experiencing hearing and sound-related concerns. We have offices located throughout Cape Town. Contact us if you need help with managing your sound sensitivities in a noisy, everyday world.

July 13, 2026
Freebees PR

Why South Africans Are Making the Switch to Natural Skincare and Home Products

As South Africans become increasingly conscious of what they put on their skin, use in their homes, and expose their families to, natural skincare and eco-conscious home products are gaining momentum, and for good reason.  From harsh detergents and synthetic fragrances to ingredient lists filled with chemicals few consumers can pronounce, many conventional products are coming under scrutiny. Parents, wellness-conscious consumers, and environmentally aware households are increasingly looking for alternatives that are gentler on people and kinder to the planet. The shift toward natural products is not simply a lifestyle trend. It reflects growing awareness of how everyday choices can impact personal wellbeing, family health, and environmental sustainability. Why Natural Matters The skin is the body’s largest organ, absorbing much of what it comes into contact with. Harsh ingredients found in many conventional personal care products may irritate sensitive skin, disrupt the skin barrier, as well as possibly cause respiratory issues and even affect hormones. These chemicals include sulphates (foaming agents in washes and shampoos), parabens (artificial preservatives), synthetic fragrances (a very broad category with very little monitoring), and artificial colourants.  Natural skincare products by contrast, often rely on gentler ingredients, plant extracts, and formulations designed to support the skin rather than strip it. Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward skincare that works with the skin’s natural biology instead of overwhelming it, and we have some great options made right here in SA! Local cosmeceutical skincare brand SKNLOGIC focuses on science-backed skincare that supports healthy skin function, with formulations that prioritise skin integrity and long-term skin health using a high percentage of natural ingredients. The award-winning Omega Oil serum and the Moist Supreme cream are particularly good choices for winter with their deeply moisturising qualities.  For textured and curly hair, natural ingredients can also make a meaningful difference. Jozi Curls has become a go-to for many South Africans embracing their natural hair journey, offering products formulated to nourish curls with moisture-rich ingredients while avoiding unnecessary harsh additives that can dry out textured hair. Infused with sustainably-sourced African Plant Extracts including Marula Oil and Raw Shea Butter, the Jozi Curls Hydrating Shampoo is a low-foam and sulphate-free shampoo recommended for dry and damaged hair that leaves all curl types moisturized and soft.  For parents navigating delicate newborn skin or common childhood concerns such as dryness and sensitivity, products designed with fewer irritants can offer reassurance and comfort. Brands such as the German based Sanosan, known for its gentle baby skincare range and now in South Africa, use a very high percentage of naturally derived ingredients including organic olive extract and milk protein to nourish and protect. Their Sanosan Baby Bath & Shampoo is developed to preserves delicate skin’s natural protective function, gently cleansing while remaining mild enough for everyday use.  Creating Healthier Homes The move toward natural living extends well beyond skincare. Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that may linger in indoor environments or wash into waterways after use. Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to plant-based cleaning alternatives that are biodegradable and less likely to introduce unnecessary toxins into the home. Far from being less effective than traditional cleaners, essential oils have strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, while being kinder to your health and the environment too.  Earthsap, one of South Africa’s original eco-friendly household brands, offers cleaning products made with plant-based ingredients. From dishwashing liquids to laundry and household cleaners, these biodegradable products are designed to clean effectively while reducing environmental impact – helping households minimise their chemical footprint without compromising on performance. Formulated with their microbiologists, the Earthsap All Purpose Cleaner contains only natural ingredients and essential oils but is a powerful and hygienic cleaner. It’s also concentrated, so a little goes a long way!  Better for the Environment Too The environmental aspect in the argument for natural products can no longer be ignored. Conventional products may contribute to pollution through non-biodegradable ingredients, excessive plastic packaging, and chemical runoff into rivers and oceans. Natural and eco-conscious brands often place greater emphasis on responsibly sourced ingredients, recyclable materials and packaging, and reduced environmental impact.  Soy-based candles, for example, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking cleaner alternatives for home ambience. Local brand SoyLites offers soy candles, natural body care, and aromatherapy products made using renewable and sustainable ingredients, providing an option for fragrance lovers who want to avoid paraffin-based products while creating a calming home environment. The SoyLites Classic Soy Tumblers are the original soy candle range in South Africa! The dual use of ambience-plus-skincare that these candles provides is one of the most sought after qualities. The candles burn beautifully and are environmentally friendly, and the warm massage oil that forms as it melts at a low temperature is full of Vitamin E and Lecithin – a nourishing treat for your skin.  For families with young children, sustainability is also becoming a consideration in feeding and care products. Vital Baby’s new EarthSmart range offers recyclable and biodegradable parenting essentials that help reduce plastic waste while supporting practical, everyday family routines.  Small Changes, Big Impact While no household transformation happens overnight, small, intentional swaps can make a meaningful difference over time. For many South Africans, natural living isn’t about perfection – it’s about making better-informed choices for their families, their wellbeing, and the world around them, one step at a time.  As consumers continue to ask more questions about ingredients, sourcing, and sustainability, brands prioritising transparency, gentler formulations, and environmental responsibility are likely to remain front of mind. 

July 13, 2026
Advtech Group

Don’t Rush Academics: The Importance of Focusing on Play and Responsiveness in The Early Years

Play should sit naturally in early childhood education, as it reflects how young children come to know themselves, others and the world. Yet too often, play is the very space that requires the most protection. This tension usually arises from a culture that prioritises early academic achievement and holds the belief that accelerating formal learning guarantees future success.  When children are rushed or pressured into formalised academic outcomes too early, short-term gains may be visible for some, but the long-term cost can be significant, an education expert says. “Play is not separate from learning, it is the medium through which learning becomes possible,” says Lynda Eagle, Advtech Schools Specialist: Early Years Phase. “Early learning that prioritises performance over understanding risks weakening curiosity, motivation and wellbeing. Strong foundations are built not through acceleration, but through experiences that nurture thinking, communication, collaboration, and joy – conditions that sustain lifelong learning.” Eagle explains that children engage with play in ways that reflect their own pace, interests, and needs.  “It provides space for difference and diversity while offering opportunities for connection and shared experience. Importantly, play supports emotional regulation and prepares children for future learning by strengthening the foundations required for inquiry, reflection, and participation in real-world contexts.” Play and responsiveness are often described as abstract concepts, yet they require intentional commitment from both educators and families, says Eagle. “Responsiveness asks adults to understand the value of play and to reflect on their role within it: how they observe, when they intervene, how they extend thinking, and how they remain present without directing or interfering. By engaging in careful observation and thoughtful support, adults come to know children more deeply, including learning about their interests, strengths, and emerging identities. “It also plays a big role in building key life skills – things like thinking deeply or critically, solving problems, working with others, communicating effectively, and self-management. When children play, they’re constantly exploring new ideas, testing their theories, inventing solutions, and figuring out how the world works. Along the way, they learn to take manageable risks and handle challenges. And, very importantly, to stick with things even when they’re difficult, which gradually builds their confidence and a real mindset for growth.” PLAY AND RESPONSIVENESS – IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships between families and educators are central to this work, Eagle says. “Together, they can create learning experiences that balance freedom and structure, offering both flexibility and clear boundaries. This balance provides children with emotional safety while teaching respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment. Such stability supports the development of empathy, resilience, and perseverance.” Within these conditions, children form relationships, make connections, and gradually become independent learners. They develop conceptual understanding and learn to reason, transfer knowledge, and apply ideas in new contexts, moving from concrete experience toward more abstract thinking. “Any tension between our aspirations for children and our understanding of play and responsiveness deserves careful reflection,” Eagle warns. “When adults deepen their understanding of why play matters and how responsiveness supports learning, they are better positioned to guide children with intention and trust. Ultimately, early learning is not only about what children know, but about how they think, how they relate to others, and how they come to see themselves in the world, a world full of possibility.”

July 13, 2026
Educ8 SA

Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn With Educ8 SA

Learning is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to pursue your educational goals. Whether you want to complete your schooling, earn a recognised qualification, or gain new skills, Educ8 SA provides flexible, computer-based programs that make learning accessible to adult learners of all ages. Opportunities for Adult Learners Educ8 SA offers programs designed specifically for adults: GED Program: Affordable Grade 12 equivalent for R500 per month American High School Diploma: Prepare for higher education or career advancement These programs allow adults to study at their own pace, balancing education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Flexible, Self-Paced Learning The computer-based platform allows learners to access lessons, assessments, and interactive modules anytime, anywhere. Adult learners can: Benefits of Returning to Education Completing your education as an adult provides numerous benefits: Take the first step toward achieving your educational goals: Phone: 021 431 9258 WhatsApp: 084 685 2138 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.educ8sa.com It’s never too late to learn. With Educ8 SA, adult learners can access quality education, achieve qualifications, and open new opportunities in life.

July 10, 2026
Cartoon Network Africa

Spend Your Saturdays with the Best of Regular Show on Cartoon Network!

Get ready for plenty of laughs as Regular Show Best Of Marathon arrives on Cartoon Network this July! Every Saturday, fans can enjoy back-to-back episodes featuring the funniest moments and biggest adventures of their favourite park crew. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the series for the first time, this marathon is the perfect way to spend your weekend. Join the unforgettable gang, including: 💙 Mordecai – The easy-going blue jay who dreams of finishing his art degree but usually finds himself caught up in bizarre adventures instead. 🦝 Rigby – Mordecai’s mischievous raccoon best friend, whose clever ideas often lead to hilarious chaos. 🔴 Benson – The hot-tempered park manager who spends most of his time trying to keep Mordecai and Rigby focused on their jobs. 💪 Muscle Man – Known for his outrageous pranks and famous “my mom” jokes, he’s always guaranteed to bring the laughs. 👻 Hi-Five Ghost – Muscle Man’s loyal friend and prank partner who is always along for the ride. ❄️ Skips – The wise and dependable Yeti who has seen it all and always knows how to solve even the strangest problems. Filled with outrageous adventures, unforgettable characters and laugh-out-loud moments, Regular Show Best Of Marathon is the perfect weekend entertainment for kids, teens and nostalgic parents alike. Don’t miss it! 📺 Regular Show Best Of Marathon🗓 Premieres: Saturday, 11 July 2026⏰ Every Saturday at 16:55 CAT📅 Ends: 12 September 2026📍 Only on Cartoon Network Get ready for a weekend packed with the very best of Regular Show!

July 10, 2026
DIBBER SA

Children Often Feel Adult Stress Long Before Anyone Speaks About It

A child does not need a full explanation to sense when something is wrong. A parent may keep their voice steady, get through dinner, manage bedtime and say very little about a difficult week. Yet a child may begin to cling at drop-off, wake more often at night, or complain of stomach aches before school. Dibber International Preschools South Africa says these shifts can be early signs that children are picking up on stress at home before adults realise how visible it has become. Dibber says this is a key, often overlooked part of a child’s emotional well-being. Children are highly attuned to the adults around them. They notice tension in tone, changes in routine, distracted responses, and the emotional atmosphere of a room, even when the cause of that stress is never directly spoken about. “Children are deeply perceptive,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “They do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling, but they often register far more than adults expect. A child may not understand the details of a stressful period, but they can still feel that something has shifted.” Dibber notes that, from infancy onward, children read faces, body language, and emotional cues. As they grow, that sensitivity becomes more refined. This matters in South Africa, where many families face constant pressure from financial strain, long commutes, disrupted routines, infrastructure stress such as load shedding and water outages, and extended family responsibilities. According to Dibber, stress in family life need not be dramatic to affect a child. It often shows up in quieter ways: a parent becomes shorter in conversation, there is more tension at the dinner table, or there is less emotional availability at the end of a hard day. These moments may feel manageable or invisible to adults, but a child’s sense of safety can still change. This is often where behaviour starts to change. Dibber points to several common signs that a child may be affected by stress at home. These can include regression, such as becoming clingier than usual or returning to earlier habits. Physical complaints without a clear medical explanation, especially around school or separation, can also be part of the picture. Changes in play, heightened irritability, or disrupted sleep may signal that a child is trying to process something they cannot yet express clearly. None of this means a parent is failing. It means the child is emotionally connected enough to be affected by what is happening around them. “Children often borrow the emotional climate of the adults they depend on,” says Assis. “That is why emotional safety matters so much. The goal is not to be a perfect, stress-free parent. It is to remain connected. A child can cope with hard seasons far better when they feel held, reassured and included in age-appropriate ways.” Dibber explains that there is a simple developmental reason for this. Young children co-regulate with the adults closest to them. When an adult is tense or overwhelmed, children can begin to imitate that stress physically and emotionally. They are also naturally egocentric in the early years, which means they may quietly assume they caused the problem unless reassured otherwise. For this reason, Dibber encourages parents to name stress simply, without placing adult burdens onto children. A sentence such as “I have been feeling worried lately. It is grown-up stuff, and it is not your fault” can do a great deal to restore a sense of safety. Predictable routines, calm rituals and space for children to express feelings also help. At school, these shifts can be easier to spot than many parents realise. Dibber says educators are often among the first adults to notice when a child seems less settled, more reactive or more withdrawn than usual. This is why the relationship between home and school matters so much, especially in the early years. At Dibber International Preschools South Africa, educators are trained to notice these emotional changes and to build environments where children feel steady, seen, and emotionally secure. The school group believes that a child’s wellbeing is moulded not only by what adults teach but by how adults respond. “Protecting a child’s emotional wellbeing does not mean removing every difficulty from their life,” says Assis. “It means helping them feel safe through difficulty. It means showing them that feelings can be handled, that stress does not have to become fear, and that they are not carrying adult worries on their own.” For Dibber, that message lies at the heart of early childhood care. Children are always listening for signs of safety. Often, what they need most is not a perfect explanation, but a calm adult who helps the world feel steady again.

July 9, 2026
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