A Passion for Hearing, Connection, and Compassion

There’s something magnetic about Vera Hlayisi’s presence a bright smile, calm confidence, and a sense of joy that fills the room before she even speaks. Her energy is contagious, her professionalism unquestionable, and her care extends far beyond the consultation room. She’s a young, vibrant audiologist whose expertise in her field is nothing short of remarkable, and her attentive follow-up with every client leaves a lasting impression of genuine dedication.

Her journey began unexpectedly. After finishing high school at just sixteen, Vera received conditional early acceptance to study Medicine at the University of Cape Town. When the medical programme became oversubscribed, she had to choose another course within the Faculty of Health Sciences. “At that point, I didn’t know much about audiology,” she recalls, “but something about it drew me in and seventeen years later, I’m still deeply grateful for that redirection.”

What started as a practical decision soon became her life’s calling. As she delved deeper into her studies, Vera discovered the profound impact of hearing on every aspect of life from childhood development to elderly care. “Hearing health is not just about ears,” she explains. “It’s about connection, dignity, and belonging. I get to give people back a part of their lives  laughter, music, and the voices they love.”

Her story, however, is not without challenges. Growing up in Giyani, Limpopo, she was raised mainly by her grandmother and relied on a bursary from the Department of Health to pursue her dream. Financial strain and later professional setbacks including retrenchment and unemployment could have broken her spirit. Instead, they built her resilience. “Those difficult seasons shaped me,” she reflects. “They taught me that purpose is something you hold onto even when the path gets hard.”

These experiences sparked a shift that pushed her to establish herself as a self-employed audiologist, blending clinical expertise with entrepreneurial courage.

Today, Vera is not only a respected professional but also a mother, mentor, and woman who leads with heart. “Motherhood reshaped my purpose,” she says softly. “It deepened my empathy for patients and gave me a new lens through which I understand communication.” With children, she brings patience and playfulness; with adults, understanding and reassurance. Every client leaves her care not only hearing better but feeling seen, supported, and understood.

Her professional accomplishments extend far beyond her private practice. She is an internationally published author in audiology research, contributing to the global advancement of hearing healthcare. She also served as a lecturer at the University of Cape Town, where she trained and mentored the next generation of audiologists with the same passion and precision that define her own career.

Her approach to audiology is deeply holistic. She collaborates closely with paediatricians, speech therapists, and psychologists to ensure that every patient receives comprehensive care that supports not only hearing but also overall development and emotional wellbeing. “True healing,” she believes, “comes from connection between people, professions, and purpose.”

Balancing work, motherhood, and self-care is no easy task, yet she approaches it with grace. “I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly,” she says. “It’s about being fully present in whatever season or role you’re in.” When she’s with her daughter, she’s fully a mom. When she’s in her practice, she’s fully an audiologist. And when she takes time for herself, she does so without guilt knowing that self-grounding allows her to show up fully for others.

In her work, the reward lies in transformation. Seeing her clients regain confidence, reconnect with loved ones, and rediscover the joy of sound fuels her every day. Whether it’s fitting a hearing aid for a child learning to speak or guiding an elderly patient through hearing again, she approaches each moment with kindness, skill, and purpose.

Her vision for the future of audiology in South Africa is clear one where technology enhances but never replaces human connection. “Hearing care is not just about sound,” she says. “It’s about restoring relationships, confidence, and community.”

Looking back, Vera smiles. “I would tell my younger self not to chase awards or timelines,” she says. “Chase fulfilment. True success is knowing you’ve made a difference.”

To every woman and mother balancing dreams with daily responsibilities, her message is simple yet powerful:

“Do it. Your children are watching. Show them that women can nurture and lead, build and bloom. Because when they see you doing it, they’ll know they can too.”