



expert audiological advice



expert audiological advice


Virtual and in-person hearing habilitation for adults, children and families
Services available in spoken English and NZSL

Register your interest
LAUNCHING JULY 2024
What We (Will) Do
Virtual and in-person hearing habilitation for adults, children and families
Services available in spoken English and NZSL
Educate
Nowadays, hearing technology is amazing. But it isn't perfect.
To fully function in everyday life, it's vital to understand what your hearing and communication needs really are. Most adults and children with hearing aids do not receive sufficent support - I can help you get the most out of expensive devices (and look at the bigger picture of what else will help you!).
I will clearly explain what you or your loved one's hearing, and how this impacts everyday life. I will give you easy, effective, evidence based strategies to improve participation in your family, classroom, work, and local community.
I enjoy giving guest lectures to university classes about communication, hearing difference, sign language and social entrepreneurship.
Collaborate
I will help you get the most out of your relationship with your local audiologist, and other relevant professionals. I can connect you with local groups and resources in your area. I can also support mainstream classroom teachers working with children who are Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing.
I take pride in contributing to the wider hearing sector and Deaf community here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Advocate
Is your child receiving the appropriate services they need to achieve their full potential? Working collaboratively with other professionals already supporting them, I can provide expert audiological advice on issues such as visual fire alarms in classrooms, use of remote microphones, and other accessibility issues.
FAQs
Add a subtitle here.
Who are you?
My name is Zoe - I completed my Master of Audiology degree (awarded with Distinction) at the University of Canterbury. I'm currently completing my PhD on the self-advocacy game I created for deaf kids. I'm a Senior Clinical Audiologist and full member of the New Zealand Audiological Society.
As well as growing up with family members with hearing difference, I have over 20 years of community experience in Deaf Education, Deaf charities, Sign Language Interpreter training, Deafblind communication and advocacy. I enjoy collaborating with a range of colleagues in different disciplines in clinical work, research, and tertiary teaching.
Why are you doing this online stuff?
1. It's desperately needed. Most audiology is New Zealand is done in private chains of clinics, with a focus on selling hearing aids. The public system is patchy, and horribly under-funded. The result is that an important part of audiological care - habilitation (children) and rehabilitation (adults) is often missed. Having acurate hearing tests and expertly fitted hearing devices are very important, but I firmly believe we won't achieve good outcomes without educating people properly and looking at the bigger picture.
2. Given my broad and unique combination of perspectives on hearing, deafness and Deafhood - friends and aquaintances often reach out to me for audiological advice. I've decided it's best to formalise this work so it is done in an ethical and transparent way.
3. I often get great feedback from clients, who say no-one has ever explained their test results in a way they understand before, or looked beyond hearing aids to make sure they are getting what help is most useful to them. Providing telehealth appointments is another way we can reach more people who need help with their hearing.
What can't you do?
I am able to identify and refer potential candidates for cochlear implants, and explain in general terms how they work and potential benefits. I'm not yet able to comment on cochlear implant programming, or technical aspects of hearing aid settings for children.
I *can* help you understand your child's audiogram, how their hearing aids work, and provide support in education settings. I can also make technical recommendations on adult hearing aid selection, fittings, programming as well as general hearing and communication issues.

