Meet Laura Drexler.
I'm Laura, an audiologist with a particular interest in tinnitus, hyperacusis, sound sensitivity and complex hearing concerns.
I founded Adelaide Tinnitus and Hearing Care because I wanted to create a place where people could receive thorough, independent care, ask questions and feel genuinely heard.
My clinical approach is also shaped by more than 20 years working as a paramedic, where listening carefully, thinking critically and explaining complex health concerns clearly were essential parts of patient care.
Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic)
Occupational Noise Assessor
Currently completing Doctor of Audiology
The reason I became an audiologist.
My journey into audiology began with my husband's experience of tinnitus.
He was experiencing incessant ringing in his head and navigating a workers' compensation claim. After his GP referred him to an ENT specialist, medical causes were ruled out and he was told to “learn to live with it.”
That was when his tinnitus became particularly bothersome. I remember wondering how someone could be experiencing something so intrusive, yet be told there was nothing that could be done.
Everything changed when he visited an audiologist at Tinnitus SA.
For the first time, someone explained what tinnitus was, why he was experiencing it and how he could manage it. He came home relieved. The ringing hadn't stopped, but he understood that he could do something about its impact on his life.
That's what he said when he came home. I told him I'd love to, but returning to university full-time in my forties felt like an enormous hurdle.
Well, here I am.
I completed my Master of Audiology and went on to specialise in tinnitus, hyperacusis and sound sensitivity.
His experience showed me how much difference the right explanation, reassurance and guidance can make, even when the tinnitus itself hasn't changed.
Building expertise beyond general audiology.
Tinnitus and sound sensitivity are significant areas of my clinical practice. I have undertaken additional training across a range of approaches so that recommendations can be tailored to the needs of the individual.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Specialist training in the neurophysiological model of tinnitus and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, including training with Dr Pawel Jastreboff and Dr Margaret Jastreboff.
Cognitive Behavioural Approaches
Additional training in CBT-based approaches relevant to tinnitus, hyperacusis and sound sensitivity management.
Sound Therapy & Hearing Rehabilitation
Experience in sound therapy, hearing rehabilitation and individualised hearing device programming, drawing on specialist tinnitus training to adapt devices for hearing loss, tinnitus and sound sensitivity.
Specialist Tinnitus Treatments
Training and experience with approaches including Neuromonics, Lenire and other tinnitus management technologies.
Doctor of Audiology
Currently completing a post-professional Doctor of Audiology, continuing to develop advanced clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice.
Care that is thorough, honest and individual.
I want patients to feel comfortable asking questions, discussing their concerns and being involved in decisions about their care.
Time to be heard
Your experience matters. I take time to understand what you're noticing and how it is affecting you.
Appropriate investigation
Testing is guided by your symptoms and clinical presentation, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Clear explanations
I'll explain your results in plain language, including what we know and where uncertainty remains.
Independent recommendations
Treatment and technology are recommended according to clinical need, not device sales targets.
Hearing accessibility matters everywhere.
My interest in hearing healthcare extends beyond what happens during an appointment.
Communication difficulties can affect people's ability to participate in everyday life — from conversations in restaurants to social activities, education and community events.
The Ambient Menu
I developed the Ambient Menu to help people make more informed choices about dining environments based on background noise and acoustics. The project attracted national media attention and helped start conversations about hearing accessibility in hospitality.
Visit The Ambient MenuHear Here
As a director of Hear Here, a South Australian community organisation, I help support initiatives focused on connection, education and engagement for people with hearing loss and hearing-related communication challenges.
Visit Hear HereEducation & advocacy
I am passionate about improving awareness of tinnitus, hearing health, safe listening and accessible communication through community education, professional collaboration and public discussion.
Awards and professional recognition.
My work in audiology, tinnitus care, hearing accessibility and community health has been recognised through a number of professional and industry awards. In 2026, I was honoured to be named Audiologist of the Year at the Allied Health Awards.
Audiologist of the Year
Winner · 2026Being recognised as Audiologist of the Year is a meaningful milestone in my career.
For me, it reflects the importance of specialist tinnitus care, independent audiology and the work being done to improve hearing accessibility and community awareness.
I'm grateful to the colleagues, mentors, patients and community organisations who have been part of that journey.
Helping make hearing health part of the conversation.
I've had opportunities to contribute to public discussions about tinnitus, noise exposure, hearing health and the importance of accessible listening environments.
Making restaurants more hearing-friendly
ABC News explores the Ambient Menu and how restaurant noise affects people with hearing and sound tolerance difficulties.
Read & watch on ABC News → ABC · Behind The NewsYouth hearing damage and tinnitus
A discussion about hearing damage, tinnitus and the importance of protecting hearing from excessive noise exposure.
Watch the segment → ABC RadioWhen did restaurants get so noisy?
Exploring the impact of noisy restaurants on conversation, communication and hearing accessibility.
Listen on ABC →What I want patients to leave with.
People often come to see me because they want answers. They may be worried about their tinnitus, frustrated by sound sensitivity or unsure why their hearing difficulties don't seem to match previous test results.
I can't promise that every question will have a simple answer, or that every symptom can be eliminated.
But I can promise to take your concerns seriously, investigate appropriately, explain what we find and help you understand the options available.
Whether you need further treatment, ongoing support or simply a clearer understanding of what's happening, I want you to leave feeling informed and knowing what to do next.
Let's start with understanding your hearing.
If you're experiencing tinnitus, sound sensitivity or hearing difficulties, you're welcome to book an appointment to discuss your concerns and explore the next steps.