Matamata Hearing Association

 

Dave J. welcomed our guest speaker, Bridget Gill, Matamata resident for around 55 years. 

Bridget has held various positions with the Hearing Association for the 25 years she has worked for them. She helped raise her family here, and has been a keen member of our community.

The Hearing Assoc. has been in Matamata since 1960 - based at St Johns and was looked after by local doctor, eventually they were able to move into their current home in 1991. They are not-for-profit and have 110 members, they rely on donations. Their role is to educate and guide people, they also sell accessories and offer advice on what is essential when looking to buy hearing aids and what is not! Best to go see them prior to buying aids then.

They believe there is a deafness pandemic on the horizon as our youth and young adults constantly wear ear pods, and whilst there are settings that can limit the decibels these are seldom used (60 decibels is optimum, usually set at 105). Damaged hair cells within the cochlea of the inner ear lead to hearing loss. As the Dangerous Decibel teacher, Bridget loves interacting with the children at Matamata and Firth Primary schools; teaching them about decibels and showing them how too many can damage your hearing and how to try to avoid this. Deafness can affect all ages but as we age it becomes much more likely, the sad reality is that when deafness sets in, if not able to afford hearing aids, people get isolated, depressed and this often can then lead to dementia. 

Open Monday to Thursday 9 -12 at 8 Meura Street. They have an ear nurse specialist visit once a week for micro suctioning, whilst all their services are free, there is a charge for the ear nurse.

Janelle thanked Bridget profusely for her time and commitment, and presented her with a  pen and certificate.