Hearing Institute

05/02/2026

It's Tinnitus awareness week!

👂How do you prevent tinnitus?👂

Tinnitus is a common problem, especially to those in constant exposure to loud noise. People whose job involves exposure to loud noise or other heavy equipment are more likely to develop tinnitus. Listening to loud music through headphones may also cause temporary tinnitus.

As such, it’s recommended that you take extra precautions to protect your ears. First, make sure the volume of your television, music player, or radio doesn’t exceed the average sound level. When the noise level reaches 85 decibels and above, wear ear protection such as earplugs.

It’s best to schedule a regular hearing test to help promptly detect and address ear problems.

Meanwhile, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent tinnitus linked to obesity and diabetes. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake as well as smoking is also advisable. These substances affect blood flow, and when used in excess, they can lead to tinnitus.

The Hearing Institute are tinnitus specialists. Read about the types of tinnitus, causes, hearables and how we assess, diagnose and treat tinnitus here.

04/02/2026

It's Tinnitus awareness week!

❓What can cause tinnitus?❓

As tinnitus is a symptom rather than a cause it is important to understand any underlying health concerns in the ear. The outer and middle ear may be blocked or damaged and not conducting sound into the inner ear.

👂Damage in the middle ear or your eardrums interferes with proper sound conduction. As a result, you are able to hear more internal sounds and one of these can be tinnitus.

👂As people age, they lose the sensory hair cells in their inner ear. This leads to hearing loss which is also a known cause of tinnitus. What happens when the brain receives fewer external stimuli from a particular frequency? Instinct will kick in and adapt to the change. Thus, tinnitus may be one way of how the brain fills in the missing frequency that it no longer receives.

👂Regular exposure to loud noise can can cause a temporary or permanent hearing loss and also cause tinnitus. There is also certain drug medication that is ototoxic which can cause tinnitus as a side effect or by direct result of damage to the hearing system.

👂Tinnitus causes include muscle spasms, ear infections, and Meniere’s disease. In addition, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases may also cause tinnitus.

👂Brain, head, neck injuries, and the abundance of earwax can also alter the hearing process. For cases where earwax is causing tinnitus, simply cleaning the ear can make it go away.

The Hearing Institute are tinnitus specialists. Read about the types of tinnitus, causes, hearables and how we assess, diagnose and treat tinnitus here.

03/02/2026

It's Tinnitus awareness week!

👂Different types of tinnitus👂

Tinnitus can either be subjective or objective. Subjective tinnitus means only you hear the sound in your ear, which is usually the case.

However, there are a few instances where other people can hear the noise. This is what we call objective tinnitus. This happens because of a cardiovascular or musculoskeletal abnormality. It could be that when your heart beats, others can also hear the pulsing sound of your blood vessels. These cases require careful diagnostic assessment and possible referral through to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist.

The Hearing Institute are tinnitus specialists. Read about the types of tinnitus, causes, hearables and how we assess, diagnose and treat tinnitus here.

02/02/2026

It's Tinnitus awareness week!

❓What is tinnitus and its cause?❓

Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. We call it tinnitus if a person constantly hears a sound that’s not made from an outside source. This means although you hear sounds, there’s no object close to you that’s making a sound. For this reason, tinnitus is sometimes referred to as phantom sounds. This sound is often a high-pitched ringing in the ears. Others might hear a clicking, pulsing, hissing, or a whistling. Some hear screeching, static, buzzing, roaring, or whooshing sounds. It may occur in one ear or both ears and sometimes people hear it in different parts of their head or even outside of their head.

The sound and pitch of the tinnitus can be a low-roaring tone or hiss or a high-pitch ringing sound often described as circadas. The volume of the tinnitus can be perceived at different levels and many people struggle in quiet environments such as at night.

The Hearing Institute are tinnitus specialists. Read about the types of tinnitus, causes, hearables and how we assess, diagnose and treat tinnitus here.

01/02/2026

It’s Tinnitus Awareness Week!

Ringing in your ears? Let’s check it out. 🛑🔈

If you notice a constant ringing, buzzing, or humming sound, it might be your ears trying to tell you something. Don't suffer in silence. While there isn't always a "cure," there are many ways to manage it and reduce the burden.

Drop a comment below or send us a message if you have questions! 👇

📞 Call us at: 09 283 0200 📍 Visit us at: https://hearinginstitute.co.nz/

22/01/2026

We have a very special story to share with you!

Grab the tissues for this one! 🤧❤️

We witness a lot of special moments in our clinic, but Annette’s story is one we will never forget.

From profound hearing loss to the life-changing impact of surgery, this is what our work is all about.

Witness the moment Annette’s world opened up again. We are so honored to have been part of this journey.

Annette Barker's Journey with Hearing Institute

20/01/2026

Vertigo is a common condition that can cause a sense of spinning or disorientation. Many adults experience vertigo at some point in their lives, and it can be a frustrating and disorienting experience. However, with proper treatment and care, vertigo can be managed effectively.

Our Audiologist, Nigel Sallis, writes all his own articles. Click on the link below to find out more about vertigo.

Vertigo is a common condition that can cause a sense of spinning or disorientation. Many adults experience vertigo at some point in their lives, and it can be a frustrating and disorienting experience. Learn about vertigo causes, management and treatment.

15/01/2026

We’re feeling the love! 💙

Nothing makes our day quite like reading feedback from our amazing clients. We work hard to deliver the best for you, and knowing we’ve hit the mark means the world to us.

Want to see what people are saying about their experience with Hearing Institute? Or maybe you have a story of your own to share?

👇 Check out our latest reviews here:

Watch real client success stories from Hearing Institute and learn how our integrated approach to hearing care has transformed lives.

12/01/2026

The ear is made up of three parts, each of which have special functions that allow us to hear. Understanding the parts of the ear and the role of each in processing sounds can help you better understand hearing loss.

Click the link below to learn more 👂

https://hearinginstitute.co.nz/your-ears

06/01/2026

Welcome back! Let’s make 2026 sound amazing. ✨

Happy New Year to all our wonderful patients and their families!

We hope your holiday season was restful and filled with the sounds of laughter, favourite music, and connection with loved ones.

Our team is back in the clinic, refreshed and ready for another year of helping this community hear better. Whether you need a quick clean and check on your devices to start the year fresh, or it’s time for that annual assessment, our doors are open.

We look forward to seeing your smiling faces soon!

📞 09 283 0200 📅 https://hearinginstitute.co.nz/book-now

28/12/2025

Many of us will make New Year's resolutions to get healthier or spend more quality time with family. But what if there was one resolution that could supercharge all the others? Prioritising your hearing health is about more than just sound, it's about connection, brain health and confidence. It's about making sure you're fully present for every conversation with loved ones and engaged in every new experience the year brings. Why wait until January 1st? Make a 'pre-resolution' to get a baseline hearing check now. It's a simple, powerful step to ensure you start the New Year ready to hear every opportunity that comes your way!

Send us a message to get it ticked off your list early!

https://hearinginstitute.co.nz/book-now

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 🎅👂

We just wanted to pop in and wish you all a wonderful Christmas Day.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your hearing journey this year. We are incredibly grateful for your trust and support.

We hope you take today to rest, relax, and really listen to the joy around you.

Happy Holidays!