Trish Boyle

Hearing aid wearer since 2021
Client at Audiology South – Invercargill

Trish Boyle’s journey with hearing loss began after a life-changing motorcycle accident in Rarotonga in 2012. At the time, her focus was on saving her leg, but she also experienced some head trauma that, unbeknownst to her, would impact her hearing in the years to come.

It wasn’t until about eight years later, while teaching in a busy classroom, that Trish started to notice something wasn’t quite right. “It had become hard to hear the students across the room, especially with all the noise and chatter,” she recalls. A hearing test confirmed that she had significant hearing loss in her right ear.

After consulting an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, Trish learned that her hearing loss likely stemmed from the head injury sustained in the accident. That confirmation set her on the path to exploring hearing aids—but it wasn’t an easy decision.

“The idea of getting a hearing aid blew my mind,” Trish laughs. “I thought, ‘I’m not old!’” She had some clear expectations: “I’ll get one—but it can’t ‘squeal’ and I don’t want it to be visible.”

Thankfully, her hearing aid ticked all the boxes. “People don’t even notice I’m wearing one unless I tell them,” she says.

Her experience with Audiology South

From her very first visit, Trish felt completely supported by the team at Audiology South. “The process was smooth, welcoming and relatively stress-free,” she says. “I was blown away by my audiologist, Bettina Luctu—her knowledge, warmth and the professionalism of the whole team were just incredible.”

Now, with her hearing aid, Trish doesn’t feel like she has to make compromises in her busy life. As a current Invercargill City Councillor and someone deeply involved in community leadership—including roles as Rotary’s first female District Governor, an international Rotary trainer, and former Chair and Trustee of Community Trust South—Trish’s days are full of meetings, conversations, and travel.

“I have lots of meetings in big rooms, with lots of different people. I travel internationally every year, and I need my hearing aid to keep up with me—not hold me back. It’s so easy to manage. I just pop it in and out for meetings, and it works perfectly every time.”

A trusted place for care

Trish regularly visits Audiology South for hearing aid support and earwax removal and says the care is second to none. “Every time I walk in, I feel welcome. The support is immediate, and nothing is ever a problem. The team always have time for me. If I have a question or need help, they never make me feel silly.”

Her advice to anyone thinking about getting hearing aids?

“Go for it—and go to Audiology South. The team is fantastic, the clinic is modern and inviting, there’s easy parking, and there’s even a lovely café right next door!”

Pictured: Trish Boyle