Meet The Team
EXPERTS IN HEARING AND BALANCE CARE
Meet our Audiology team
Hearing and Balance Audiology owners Dion Hutchinson-Jones and Carly Hensman are experienced practitioners who both work in the clinic to ensure continuity of care for their clients. They are committed to excellent communication, so that every client understands what is happening with their hearing and has the information they need to make an informed decision.
Dion Hutchinson-Jones
Audiologist, MNZAS-CCC
Dion studied Physics as an undergraduate before embarking on a Masters in Clinical Science at the University of Manchester in 2012. He trained as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology at Central Manchester NHS Trust, with special interests in paediatric hearing, implantable hearing devices and vestibular assessment and rehabilitation. After 2 years as paediatric hearing aid lead at the Countess of Chester NHS Trust, Dion moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2018 to take on the Charge Audiologist role at Hawke’s Bay DHB. Alongside this role, Dion founded Hearing & Balance in 2019, working closely with Hawke’s Bay’s top ENT surgeons to provide only the third centre to offer comprehensive vestibular assessment in New Zealand.
“As a hearing aid user myself, I know the importance of finding a hearing solution that meets my own individual needs. I have always placed great importance on listening to each person’s personal hearing needs and goals, and finding a solution that will work for them. The people I treat range from 3 weeks old to over a hundred years, and come from a wide range of backgrounds. Understanding what a person wants and needs is one of the key components in improving their quality of life with the right hearing technology.”
Carly Hensman
Audiologist, MNZAS-CCC
Carly grew up in Hawke’s Bay, before embarking on 5 years of study at the University of Auckland and graduating with a Master of Audiology in 2012. She worked in public hospitals and private clinics in Dunedin and Auckland, before returning to her home region as a partner in Hearing and Balance in 2022.
“Alongside the satisfaction of helping people live a better quality life through better hearing, I also love technology. In the field of audiology, it’s important that we keep up to date with latest trends and innovations. Before returning to Hawke’s Bay, I managed a specialist concept store for hearing services and products, where people could experiment with different hearing devices and options. The store was the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and gave me the advantage of becoming one of New Zealand’s most experienced audiologists, when it comes to fitting the latest hearing products.”
Carly’s specialty is fitting Lyric hearing aids – the world’s only 100% invisible aid.
“Many people who have hearing loss don’t want hearing aids because they worry it will make them look old. With the Lyric hearing aid, that worry disappears, because no one even knows you have a hearing aid.
“I welcome the most reluctant of people to make an appointment. I predict they’ll be pleasantly surprised at the positive difference we can make for them, without compromising their wishes.”
tash hutchinson-jones
Practice Manager
Tash is an owner of Hearing & Balance and also our Practice Manager. She is originally from the UK and moved over to New Zealand in 2018. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and English, before doing her masters in therapy. She then went on to work in education for 5 years.
Since being in Hawke’s Bay she has been working in healthcare, first for the DHB and then as a practice assistant for the Ear, Nose and Throat service. She has been working with Hearing & Balance full-time since November 2022.
In her spare time if she is not cooking or eating, you can always find Tash curled up with a good book or doing some Pilates.
STEPH KAVANAGH
Receptionist
Steph has lived in Hawke’s Bay for 20 years after moving over from Wanganui.
She was lucky enough to spend the last 16 years as a stay at home Mum to her two children. She loves taking her husband and kids camping, kayaking, and on multiday hikes; so far the Routeburn Track has been the favourite for everyone.
When at home you'll either find her in the garden tending the vegetables and many flowers, or in the kitchen baking treats.
Steph is a hearing aid user herself. She welcomes any questions about the experience, and hopes to help calm any nerves anyone might have about the process.
Hearing specialists Hawkes Bay
Let our experience guide you
Hearing and Balance Audiologists provide you with the latest technology and expert advice.
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Hearing Aids
Hearing & Balance provides a full range of hearing aids to help our patients hear more clearly, communicate more easily with their family and friends, and feel more confident in social situations.
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Custom Hearing Protection
We offer a range of custom-made hearing protection devices to guard against various recreational and industrial environments.
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Vestibular Assessment
Hearing & Balance can help identify, diagnose, and treat a wide range of disorders that can affect balance. Functional balance is also assessed to provide a complete view of the health of the inner ear.
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Auditory Processing Disorder
Hearing & Balance can help diagnose and assess Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). This is when the brain is struggling to process what the ears hear. We also offer listening skills training and technology based solutions to help your habilitation.
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Paediatric Hearing Tests
We have the ability to assess hearing on children aged 9 months plus.
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Lyric Invisible Hearing Aid
We are the only provider of Lyric 100% invisible hearing aid in Hawke’s Bay. This hearing aid can be worn 24 hours a day 7 days a week without changing batteries.