10 October 2026 | Expression Audiology

Every year on 10 October, World Audiologist Day recognises the dedicated professionals who help people understand their hearing, improve communication and stay connected to the world around them.

At Expression Audiology, this day is particularly meaningful. For more than 50 years, our audiologists have supported Deaf and hard of hearing Australians through compassionate, independent and accessible hearing care.

But what makes our approach different isn’t just our clinical expertise. It’s our belief that great audiology starts with listening to people, respecting their identities and recognising that everyone’s experience of hearing and communication is unique.

As a proudly not-for-profit hearing healthcare provider, our approach has been shaped by decades of connection with the Deaf community, guided by Deaf leadership and lived experience.

More Than Hearing Tests: What Does an Audiologist Do?

Audiologists are university-qualified healthcare professionals who specialise in hearing, balance-related concerns and communication.

While many people associate audiologists with hearing tests and hearing aids, their work extends far beyond these services.

Audiologists help people understand changes in their hearing, navigate tinnitus, explore hearing technology and develop strategies to communicate confidently in everyday life.

At Expression Audiology, our services include:

• Comprehensive hearing assessments for adults and children aged six and over
• Independent hearing aid advice, fitting and ongoing support
• Tinnitus assessment and management
• Earwax removal using microsuction
• Assistive listening technology and communication strategies
• Hearing rehabilitation and support for Deaf and hard of hearing people

Our goal is not simply to identify hearing loss. It’s to understand what matters to each individual and provide the information, choices and support that help them live well.

Explore our hearing and audiology services.

50 Years of Hearing Care Shaped by Community

Expression Audiology’s story began in 1975, when two teachers of the Deaf, Patricia Pengilley and Kathleen Herron, established the H.E.A.R. Service.

They recognised that people experiencing hearing loss needed more than hearing technology. They needed practical communication strategies, education, understanding and a place where they could feel supported.

That philosophy remains central to our practice today.

As part of Expression Australia, formerly the Victorian Deaf Society, we have a unique connection to the Deaf and hard of hearing communities.

Over five decades, we have combined clinical audiology with a deep understanding of the social, cultural and communication experiences of the people we support.

We believe that hearing care should empower people, not define them by their hearing levels.

Read more about our 50-year history.

Deaf-Led, Deaf-Aware Audiology: What Makes Our Approach Different?

One of the things we are most proud of at Expression Audiology is our commitment to Deaf-led and Deaf-aware hearing care.

For us, this means recognising that Deaf and hard of hearing people are experts in their own experiences and that their perspectives should help shape the services they receive.

We understand that being Deaf or hard of hearing is not simply a medical condition. For many people, Deaf identity, Auslan and connection to the Deaf community are important parts of who they are.

Our approach brings together audiological expertise with cultural awareness, respect and client choice.

In practice, this means:

• Respecting communication preferences: Whether someone communicates through Auslan, spoken English, written communication or a combination, we adapt our approach to suit them.
• Providing Auslan-accessible services: Our clinicians have basic Auslan skills, with interpreters available on request.
• Creating Deaf-aware environments: Our teams understand the importance of visual communication, accessible information and culturally respectful interactions.
• Supporting choice and independence: We recognise that hearing aids and other technologies are options, not expectations. Clients remain in control of their hearing healthcare decisions.
• Learning from Deaf lived experience: Deaf perspectives and leadership help inform our understanding of what accessible and inclusive hearing care should look like.

This is not simply a statement of values. It is an approach that has developed through more than 50 years of working alongside the communities we serve.

Our team has also shared this knowledge with the wider audiology profession, contributing to education about culturally safe, Deaf-aware clinical practice.

Learn more about our Deaf-friendly audiology services.

Independent Audiology With a Purpose

As an independent, not-for-profit hearing healthcare provider, Expression Audiology places people before products.

We are not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, allowing our audiologists to recommend hearing technology based on individual needs, preferences and budgets.

We recognise that not everyone wants or needs hearing aids. For some people, communication strategies, assistive technology or simply having a better understanding of their hearing can make a meaningful difference.

Our approach is centred on informed decisions, long-term relationships and ongoing support.

Being part of a not-for-profit organisation also means our work contributes to a broader purpose: improving access, inclusion and opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Celebrating the People Behind Our Audiology Services

On World Audiologist Day, we want to recognise our dedicated team of audiologists who bring expertise, compassion and curiosity to their work every day.

From supporting someone through their first hearing assessment to helping a long-term client navigate changing communication needs, our audiologists make a difference through the relationships they build and the care they provide.

We also acknowledge the Deaf community members, colleagues and advocates whose knowledge and lived experiences continue to strengthen our practice.

They remind us that good hearing healthcare is not just about how well someone hears. It’s about ensuring they feel heard.

Your Hearing, Your Communication, Your Choice

Whether you have noticed changes in your hearing, are experiencing tinnitus, use Auslan or simply want independent advice about your hearing health, Expression Audiology is here to support you.

With audiology clinics in Collingwood, Oakleigh, Geelong and Kew, we provide accessible, person-centred hearing care across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

This World Audiologist Day, we celebrate the audiology profession, our 50-year history and our ongoing commitment to a future where hearing healthcare is inclusive, respectful and shaped by the people it serves.

Because at Expression Audiology, we believe everyone deserves to be heard, understood and empowered.

Book an Appointment With Expression Audiology

Discover hearing care that puts your communication needs, preferences and wellbeing first.

Book an appointment online or in Auslan

Phone: 1300 30 20 31
SMS: 0402 217 586
Email: audiology@expression.com.au