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 What We Do

 Hearing Nelson is a charitable organisation founded in 1953 serving the Top of the South/Te Tau Ihu as a branch of Hearing New Zealand.  We aim to improve the lives of those who are Deaf or have hearing loss through one-on-one support and services including advocacy and public awareness. We offer flexible education programmes centred on proactively preventing hearing loss for children, young people and adults. 

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Global data shows that currently one in five young people have hearing loss and this number is likely to double over the next 30 years. We work to reduce this predicted increase through education and by changing attitudes around safe listening. 

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We receive no Government funding, relying on grants, donations, bequests, and membership income to fund our work.

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Our Vision 

People who are Deaf or have hearing loss are able to fully participate in family and community life and hearing loss is prevented in the top of the South/Te Tau Ihu.   

 

Our Mission 

Hearing Nelson enhances quality of life for people living with deafness and hearing loss with a range of services and resources with a focus on advocacy, support, education and hearing loss prevention.

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Why We Do It

Hearing loss is a growing problem

  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 466 million (6.1% of the world's population) to be living with hearing loss.

  • More than 1 billion young people (12-35 years) are at risk for hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sound

  • The overall annual cost of unaddressed hearing loss globally is estimated at $750 billion.

  • There are many mental, social and emotional effects of hearing loss including depression, isolation and cognitive decline. The daily challenge of living with hearing loss can lead to feelings of embarrassment and frustration. 

  • People with hearing loss are two to five times more likely to develop dementia.

  • Hearing loss can force people into early retirement and those who are deaf or living with hearing loss are more likely to be unemployed.

  • Suicide rates are higher for people living with tinnitus.

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