Deborah Gill “I went to my first audiologist at about 35. I had two small children at the time and had returned to teaching at Greenmeadows Intermediate in Manurewa. Things sounded muffled, and I struggled to hear without asking people to repeat themselves.    “I wasn’t too concerned and underwent some hearing tests, and it was suggested that I wear hearing aids in both ears. That was a surprise.     “My first hearing aids were a shock, and I panicked. Things I didn’t want to hear were loud,...

Our recent Connect & Share group brought together cochlear implant and hearing aid users for an afternoon of connection, conversation and shared experiences.  Hazel Benson-Dawe, our whānau support counsellor, said the purpose of the popular sessions was to bring kiritaki/clients together to establish common ground – whether it was benefits or challenges.  “We’re creating an environment where we can be aware of each other’s communication needs and spend time working on making sure we...

Ailsa Wilson, a hearing therapist trainee from Your Way | Kia Roha, is now holding a regular monthly clinic at Hearing House, which began on Thursday, 12 March.  Ailsa brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role in hearing therapy, along with a strong commitment to supporting people with hearing loss and their whānau in ways that are people-centred, practical and empowering.      Ailsa Wilson from Your Way | Kia Roha    Working together to support people with hearing...