Posted Tuesday August 26, 2025
This week we say a heartfelt thank you to Anne McElwain, Senior Audiologist, who is retiring after an incredible 45-year career in audiology.
Anne began her journey in 1980 with the Dunedin District Health Board, fresh from completing her Psychology degree and eager to put her knowledge into practice. Just 18 months later, she was supported to further her studies at Purdue University in the USA, completing her Master’s in Audiology.
Back then, the profession looked quite different. Hearing aids were analogue, fittings were manual, and hearing tests relied heavily on subjective reporting. As Anne recalls with a smile, “a screwdriver was one of my favourite tools.” Over the decades, she has witnessed remarkable advances: Real Ear Measurements for accurate fittings, universal newborn hearing screening, and the introduction of MRI for retrocochlear testing — all of which have transformed hearing care.
Anne joined Audiology South in 2017, drawn to the independence of a clinic where audiologists have the freedom to choose the best solutions for each client’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. Some of her most rewarding moments have been the simple ones — dropping off or picking up hearing aids, going the extra mile, and seeing firsthand the difference better hearing makes in people’s lives.
Alongside her clinical work, Anne is proud of the ways she has contributed to the profession. She helped set up audiology training for Occupational Nurses, organised the local “Journal Club” since 2017 (bringing audiologists together to learn and collaborate rather than compete), and served as an examiner for the New Zealand Audiological Society — guiding the next generation of audiologists through their final certification exams.
But above all, it’s the people Anne will miss most. “I’ve loved the stories. I’m going to miss living vicariously through them!” she says. And there have been many memorable moments:
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A reluctant client who wouldn’t leave the clinic wearing his new hearing aids but is now one of their greatest advocates.
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A woman who thought the birds had vanished from her property, only to rediscover their song after being fitted with hearing aids.
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A mischievous toddler who once stirred yoghurt with her hearing aids!
Anne’s advice to clients is simple and wise: “Wear your hearing aids! Your brain will love you for it.”
Looking ahead, Anne has exciting plans for retirement: more time with her grandchildren, finishing long-awaited house projects, and becoming more involved in her community through Altrusa International. She’s also looking forward to trying her hand at new hobbies like Tai Chi and Mahjong. And with a trip to the Mediterranean and Europe already on the horizon for next year, there’s plenty to look forward to.
To her clients, Anne shares a final message of gratitude:
“Thank you. Thank you for sharing your journey with me.”
In a fitting full-circle moment, Rachel Barker, who completed her supervision year under Anne after completing her Master of Audiology in 2019, will be joining the Audiology South team in Mosgiel alongside supporting her clients in Dunedin.
We wish Anne every happiness in this next chapter — she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of care, expertise, and compassion.