21 October 2025
BA5 – Resonate. Can You Hear Me Now?
Southland Business Chamber hosted a thought-provoking Business After Five at Resonate Hearing Invercargill, where attendees tuned into the often-overlooked topic of hearing health.
Led by the knowledgeable and passionate team of Sarah Cuckow (Audiologist) and Tarah Clark (Navigator), the evening explored how hearing loss – often gradual and unnoticed- can quietly impact productivity, safety, and morale.
With over 15 years of experience, Sarah shared clinical insights and relatable analogies that made complex science easy to grasp. eg. The tiny hairs in your ears flatten with loud noise exposure- and if repeatedly damaged, they don’t recover. Sarah likened this to walking over a grass path: occasional use is fine, but constant pressure prevents regrowth/ hearing loss. So please use hearing protection during everyday tasks, like mowing the lawn, it is essential to preserving what you have!
We had an absolute blast at this BA5 event! Sarah and Tarah took us through some of the Ear360 assessment steps, with more than a few of us coming back to have a full assessment done. If you haven’t had your hearing checked, now’s the time.
Key Takeaways
• Hearing loss can begin as early as age 25, and it takes an average of seven years for someone to acknowledge they’re struggling.
• Tinnitus is generated by the brain, not the ears—a surprising fact that reframes how we understand this condition.
• High-pitched sounds are the first to fade, which can affect speech clarity and comprehension.
• Employees may say “yes” when they mean “pardon?”, leading to miscommunication and hidden costs in the workplace.
Why It Matters for Business
The event emphasized that baseline hearing checks -like Resonates Ear360 assessment -are a smart move for long-term wellbeing. Hearing loss doesn’t just affect individuals; it affects teams, safety protocols, and leadership effectiveness. Supporting hearing health is a proactive step toward a more inclusive and productive workplace.
About Resonate Invercargill
Located at 3/39 Esk Street, Resonate Invercargill offers hearing aids, ear wax removal, and comprehensive hearing health checks. Sarah and Tarah are committed to supporting the Southern community with attentive, personalized care. Learn more or book an appointment: Resonate Invercargill Studio
