Hamilton Hearing Association is a voluntary, community-based organisation working to improve the quality of life for all people affected by hearing loss. Our goal is to support individuals and families through practical services, personalised care, and education that encourages lifelong hearing health.

 

We aim to promote the well-being and independence of people with hearing loss across all stages of life. Our services are available to children, adults, older people, and families who are seeking guidance, rehabilitation, or everyday support in managing hearing-related challenges.

 

Hearing loss is the largest disability sector in New Zealand, currently affecting over 880,000 people. This number continues to rise, especially among young people, due to widespread recreational noise exposure. Global data shows that one in five young people have a hearing loss — a number expected to double in the next 30 years. Our work includes preventative education, advocacy, and community outreach to help reduce this trend.

 

We visit primary and intermediate schools to educate students about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss and how to protect their ears. Our school presentations are short, age-appropriate, and aimed at creating lasting habits around safe listening.

 

We also offer monthly visits to rest homes and aged care facilities, providing assistance to residents who may not be able to come to our clinic. These visits include hearing aid support, advice, and care. 

 

In our Hamilton rooms, we offer a wide range of services to the community. As far as practicable, we aim to offer cost-effective solutions, making hearing health more accessible to everyone.

 

Our services include:

 

We offer annual memberships, which come with added benefits such as discounts on products and services, access to exclusive information, and opportunities to support the ongoing work we do. Memberships help us continue providing care and education across the region.

 

As a non-profit organisation, we rely on funding, community support, grants, and memberships to continue our important work. Every contribution helps us reach more people and provide the services that matter most to those living with hearing loss.

 

Our website provides a variety of helpful resources, including information on how ears work, how to prevent hearing loss, hearing conditions, available funding options, and where to get help.  Hearing loss is not only a growing health issue, but one with serious mental, emotional, and social effects. Studies show it can lead to isolation, frustration, depression, and cognitive decline. People with hearing loss are also at greater risk for dementia and may face challenges in employment or retirement.

 

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 466 million people are living with hearing loss. More than one billion young people (ages 12–35) are at risk due to unsafe sound exposure. Unaddressed hearing loss has an estimated global cost of over $750 billion annually.

 

We believe in the importance of research and support efforts that help us better understand and prevent hearing-related conditions. Through ongoing learning, community engagement, and care, we are committed to creating a more inclusive, connected future for all.

 

Hamilton Hearing Association welcomes everyone — whether you are dealing with hearing changes for the first time or have lived with hearing loss for years. We are here to listen, support, and help you stay connected to the world around you.