With decades of experience and a deep commitment to personalised care, Jackie Clemmer recognised a growing need for high-quality, individualised hearing services. In 2019, she founded Little Bird Audiology – Nelson’s only locally owned and independent hearing clinic. Since then, Jackie and her team have been quietly reshaping the hearing care experience in the region. She recently spoke with Nelson Magazine about the signs of hearing loss and the often-overlooked connection between hearing health and overall wellbeing.
What are some of the earliest signs of hearing loss?
Difficulty hearing in crowds and background noise is most common, but tinnitus can also be an early sign. Hearing loss is often more obvious to others. Our brains are pattern recognisers, tuned to language – they fill in the blanks, so we may not realise what we’re missing. I think it’s of value for everyone to have a baseline hearing check at the age of 50 (or sooner if any concerns) and then at least every five years to monitor.
What advice do you have for someone hesitant to try hearing aids?
Make sure you’re comfortable with both the clinician and the clinic. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you feel rushed, pressured, or unheard, get a second opinion. All hearing aids come with a trial period by law, so try them for a few months. If they don’t help, ask to try another or return them. No one should keep hearing aids they’re not delighted with.
Are there lifestyle factors that affect hearing over time?
Exposure to loud noise is known, but I think an emerging issue is streaming through earbuds. Using one earbud can create inconsistent access for the auditory cortex – I experienced this myself. Your brain thrives on sound, but it’s best delivered in ways that don’t block the world. Bone conduction headphones are great, but only if your hearing is normal. Another thing that helps tremendously with auditory processing, and can be undertaken at any age, is learning to play a musical instrument.
What should parents watch for in children?
Most babies are screened at birth and again before school. If not, it is worth getting a test done to be sure. It’s also important to educate young ones about the potential damage to their hearing from listening too loudly on devices. Children are at higher risk of noise damage due to smaller ear canals, so this in effect amplifies the sound level more than it does for adults. Always protect their ears during loud activities.
How does hearing health connect to overall wellbeing?
Hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of falls, cognitive decline, isolation, depression, and even cardiovascular issues. It affects your ability to participate fully in social settings, which leads many to withdraw from activities. People will often start to step away from the activities they previously enjoyed, but social connections are key to wellbeing and healthy aging for all of us.
