Bellbird Hearing

03/09/2026

Vote for the Bellbird in Bird of the Year 2026!

At Bellbird Hearing, we're proudly backing our namesake – the beautiful Bellbird (Korimako) – in this year's Bird of the Year / Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau competition.

Known for its rich, melodic song, the Bellbird is one of New Zealand's most treasured native birds. Its distinctive calls are a special part of our forests and a reminder of the importance of protecting the sounds that connect us to nature.

If you'd like to show your support, voting opens at 9:00am on Friday 4 September and closes at 5:00pm on Sunday 20 September.

Click here to vote: https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/

Let's help the Bellbird's song be heard across New Zealand and vote the Korimako to the top spot! 🎉

26/08/2026

Sudden hearing loss? Don’t just wait for it to clear.

Winter colds, flu and congestion can leave your ears feeling blocked or muffled. It’s easy to assume that a change in hearing is simply an ear infection, fluid or blocked ears.

But a sudden change in hearing can sometimes be caused by sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), which needs prompt medical assessment and treatment.

If you notice a sudden drop in hearing, particularly in one ear, call us as soon as possible. Don’t wait to see if it clears on its own.

At Bellbird Hearing, we can prioritise urgent hearing assessments when needed. We can check your ears and hearing to help determine whether the change is due to wax, congestion or a middle-ear problem, or whether you need urgent medical assessment.

Call Bellbird Hearing on 03 351 1172 or and let us know you've experienced a sudden change in hearing. We’ll do our best to get you seen promptly.

When hearing changes suddenly, don’t wait — get it checked.

25/08/2026

Blocked ears after a winter bug? You’re not alone!

We’ve been hearing from lots of people recently who are experiencing blocked, muffled or “full” ears following the winter colds and bugs going around.

Often, this can be linked to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tubes help equalise pressure between your middle ear and the outside world. When you have a cold, congestion or inflammation, these tubes can become blocked, leaving your ears feeling full or affecting your hearing.

A few things that may help include:
- Blowing your nose regularly and gently
- Trying to gently equalise your ears by swallowing, yawning or chewing
- Keeping well hydrated
- Using a saline nasal spray to help clear the nasal passages
- In some cases, a pharmacist or doctor may recommend an appropriate nasal spray

If your ears continue to feel blocked, your hearing hasn’t returned to normal, or you’re unsure whether the problem is wax or congestion, get in touch with us. We can check your ears and help point you in the right direction.

Book an appointment with the Bellbird Hearing team today.

24/08/2026

We've had a couple of cancellations for ear wax removal this afternoon - give us a call on 03 3511172 or click on the link below to book.

Michael is a registered nurse with over 35 years of experience mainly as an intensive care and flight retrieval nurse in New Zealand, but also recently as a primary health nurse in the Netherlands. Michael is excited to have joined the Bellbird team and to be shifting his focus from hospital-based c...

20/08/2026

Your hearing aids work hard every day — and just like any other device, they need a little care to keep performing at their best.

Earwax, moisture, dust, skin oils and even hair products can build up over time and affect sound quality and performance.

The good news? A simple cleaning routine can make a big difference.

Our latest blog covers:
Simple daily cleaning tips
Checking wax filters
When to replace hearing aid domes
How to care for ear moulds
When it’s time to get professional help

Read our latest blog: link below

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep your hearing aids working at their best. Learn how to clean your hearing aids, remove wax and debris, care for domes and ear moulds, and recognise when your devices may need professional attention.

20/08/2026

Meet Juliet!

What is your role at Bellbird Hearing?
I’m the Managing Director at Bellbird Hearing, overseeing the day-to-day running of both our Christchurch and Timaru clinics. I’m also a clinician, based at our Timaru clinic, so I still get to do what I love most—working directly with our clients and helping them hear their best.

How long have you worked at Bellbird Hearing?
I’ve been with Bellbird Hearing since we opened nearly six years ago, so I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the journey from the beginning.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I get the most satisfaction from helping people hear better. Sometimes a client feels their hearing is “pretty good”, but when they try hearing aids and realise how much they’ve been missing, it’s incredibly rewarding to see that lightbulb moment.

I also really enjoy the challenge of helping clients who have been fitted with hearing aids elsewhere but are struggling to get the results they expected. It’s amazing what a thorough hearing assessment, careful fitting and the use of real-ear measures can make. When we can get someone’s hearing aids working properly for them and they start enjoying conversations and everyday sounds again, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about hearing health?
Getting hearing aids isn’t a “fit and forget” process. For people to get the most from their hearing aids, regular review appointments are important so we can check their hearing, see how they’re managing and make adjustments when needed.

I also believe everyone should have their hearing checked regularly—ideally every 12–18 months, just like we do with other aspects of our health.

One of the things I’m most proud of at Bellbird Hearing is how much our team genuinely cares about getting the best possible outcome for each client. We don’t just fit hearing aids and send people on their way—we’re there to support our clients throughout their hearing journey.

What was your first job?
I grew up on a farm, so my first 'jobs' were helping out with various things around the farm—from grading potatoes and rouging wild oats to helping with soil and potato testing.

After that, I worked weekends at our local pharmacy.

Tea or coffee?
Flat white. ☕

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have four children, so a lot of my time outside of work is spent watching their sport! During the busy winter season, we can be watching more than ten games of sport a week.

I wouldn’t have it any other way though—I love being there to support them and watching them do something they enjoy.

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Bellbird Hearing team and to have watched the business grow from the very beginning. We have a wonderful team who genuinely care about our clients and go the extra mile to help people hear their best.

It’s our people who make Bellbird Hearing what it is, and I’m incredibly proud of the care, expertise and commitment they bring to our clients every day.

What our clients say:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really appreciated the service I received from Bellbird in Timaru. Juliet really listened to what I told her and tested my hearing thoroughly and gave me good advice. Also hasn't pushed me into hasty decisions. Thank you. Julie N

06/08/2026

Meet Lloyd!

What is your role at Bellbird Hearing? I'm a member of the Board of Directors, I help guide our strategic direction, ensure our team has the resources to thrive, and oversee our ongoing progress. Because we operate as a close-knit team, I also enjoy stepping into a supportive role for our key innovation projects - directly driving improvements in our services and client hearing outcomes.

How long have you worked at Bellbird Hearing? As a co-founder of Bellbird Hearing, I’ve been proud to shape our journey since day one back in 2020. Our mission was born out of a desire to put people first, creating a group of clinics dedicated to providing the very best ear health and hearing outcomes across our communities.

What do you enjoy most about your role? For me, it always comes back to two things. First, because communication and relationships are at the heart of what we do, nothing is more rewarding than hearing how we’ve made a meaningful difference in people's lives. Second, I feel incredibly privileged to work alongside our talented, dedicated team. They bring such a wealth of life experience and clinical expertise to the table, and it’s a constant inspiration to see them in action and learn from their perspectives.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about hearing health? An often-overlooked reality with hearing is that perfect hearing doesn't exist in the real world. Between background noise, distance, poor acoustics and inattention, everyone misses things from time to time. Consequently, successfully managing hearing loss requires far more than a quick technical fix. Lasting success relies on a combination of tailored technology, precise initial configuration, and continuous refinement. Furthermore, the best outcomes occur when individuals are supported in learning how to optimise their environment and leverage their technology to its fullest potential - a journey that requires patience and ongoing commitment.

What was your first job? At age 15 I worked at a supermarket on the check-out "...beep...beep...beep..." Being naturally a bit more reserved, this experience was a great way for me to step out of my comfort zone and learn to connect with all kinds of people.

Tea or coffee? Neither. Water (or wine!)

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Outside of work, two of my greatest passions are running and photography. I run purely for fitness and to get out into nature, rather than to compete. When it comes to photography, my focus is on capturing special life events and places in a way that allows those memories to be truly cherished.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. My wife and I met as university students working at Pizza Hut in Dunedin. We still enjoy (homemade) pizza every week.

29/07/2026

Meet Karen!

What is your role at Bellbird Hearing?
I'm an Administrator at our Christchurch clinic, sharing the front desk role with Jan. You'll usually find me here on Wednesdays and Thursdays, welcoming clients and answering the phone.

Here's a fun fact—I'm also a Bellbird Hearing client! I purchased my hearing aids from Bellbird before I even joined the team. I think that's a pretty good endorsement that Bellbird Hearing is the place to come for your hearing care… and that's coming from a Karen!😊

How long have you worked at Bellbird Hearing?
I joined the Bellbird Hearing team in May 2025.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
The client interaction is what I enjoy most. I love meeting people and helping make their visit a positive experience. We also have a fantastic team culture here at Bellbird Hearing, which makes it a great place to work.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about hearing health?
Good hearing keeps you connected. Most people regularly check other aspects of their health, so your hearing deserves the same attention.

What was your first job?
While I was at school, I worked part-time in retail to earn some extra money. My first full-time role after school was with BNZ, where I worked for many years, progressing through different roles and transferring around New Zealand.

I've lived in several cities over the years, but this is my third stint in Christchurch. With two of our children and our grandchildren based here, we're here to stay!

I also spent many years owning and managing a Paper Plus store, which incorporated Kiwibank and postal services.

Tea or coffee?
Usually a strong cup of tea... although water is a close second!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy cooking, keeping active, walking and cycling with my husband, Neville. We've completed several of New Zealand's Great Rides, including the Alps to Ocean Trail, and have also enjoyed cycling adventures through Slovenia and Croatia.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Retail has always been part of my life. In fact, the saying "Buy One, Get One Free" became reality when our third child arrived... as twins! 👶👶

We feel incredibly lucky to have Karen as part of the Bellbird Hearing team. Her friendly smile, wealth of life experience and genuine care help ensure every client feels welcomed from the moment they walk through our doors.

What our clients say: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Helpful professional staff, from the friendly welcome through to the consultation, a stress-free appointment, thank you. Eric

22/07/2026

Meet Michael!

What is your role at Bellbird Hearing?
My role is a comprehensive registered nurse at Bellbird Hearing in Christchurch. My focus is on promoting ear health, ranging from wax buildup and infections through to trauma of the eardrum. My aim is to provide practical solutions for people experiencing ear-related health concerns.

How long have you worked at Bellbird Hearing?
I’ve been working at the Christchurch clinic since October 2025, after returning from the Netherlands where my wife and I lived for the past eight years.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I really enjoy seeing the immediate difference ear care can make to someone’s hearing. The smile on a client’s face when their blocked ears are cleared is the best part of my day.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about hearing health?
The secret to good ear health is regular check-ups with an ear health nurse specialist to help prevent excessive wax buildup.

A quick check-up before a long flight or a beach holiday can also help prevent discomfort caused by pressure changes or water getting trapped in blocked ears.

What was your first job?
My first job was as an early morning milk boy, which I did for four years during my primary school years. I also used to drink a pint bottle of milk every day!

Tea or coffee?
I’ve expanded my tastes to two espressos a day, but I still have a soft spot for milk.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love riding bikes—I currently have a mountain bike, a racing bike, and an e-bike. I’ve travelled many trails in New Zealand and abroad, and I even ride to work every day, rain or shine.

We feel very fortunate to have Michael as part of the Bellbird Hearing team. His expertise, calm approach and passion for ear health make a real difference for every client he sees.

What our clients say: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great visiting yesterday, Michael was so amazing very professional& efficient. Jocelyn

15/07/2026

Meet Melissa!

What is your role at Bellbird Hearing?
I am an Audiologist at Bellbird Hearing in Christchurch. My role involves performing hearing assessments and providing practical, personalised advice to help people make informed decisions about their hearing health.

Alongside fitting hearing aids to help people hear and communicate more confidently, I also provide guidance on whether medical treatment for hearing loss may be appropriate, support tinnitus management, offer hearing protection advice, and recommend communication strategies to improve everyday listening.

I also really enjoy getting out into the community, speaking with community groups, businesses and organisations about hearing loss, communication, and the importance of early intervention. It’s a great way to share practical information and help people feel more informed about their hearing health in a relaxed setting.

How long have you worked at Bellbird Hearing?
I joined the Bellbird Hearing team in October 2024, and I’ve worked as an audiologist in Christchurch since graduating in 2009.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love helping people hear the things that are truly important to them. For many, that’s enjoying conversations with family and friends with less effort, but for others it might be listening to music or hearing more clearly on the phone.

One of the most rewarding moments is when clients try hearing aids for the first time with a sound that matters to them—like a favourite piece of music—and realise how much they’ve been missing.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about hearing health?
Any sudden change in hearing should be checked as soon as possible. While the cause may be something simple like earwax, it can also indicate an issue affecting the inner ear or hearing nerve. In some cases, urgent medical treatment is needed to give the best chance of recovery.

An audiologist can assess your hearing and advise on next steps if testing suggests a sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference.

What was your first job?
My first job was at McDonald’s. I only lasted three months—but I still have the scars from burning myself cooking French fries!

Tea or coffee?
Definitely coffee.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and two young sons and making the most of family life.

We feel very lucky to have Melissa as part of the Bellbird Hearing team. Her clinical expertise, warmth and passion for helping people reconnect with the sounds that matter most make a real difference to every client she works with.

What our clients say: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Melissa is a most competent and professional audiologist. I was delighted to find she was able to reprogram my existing hearing aids to bring me real benefit, rather than a series of noises of little use to me. I will plan to visit Melissa again as she has expertise in inner ear surgery procedures, as well as hearing aids, this of particular significance for me as I have sustained farming related damage to one inner ear in years gone. Thank you, Melissa, for your welcome assistance." James