Celebrating our audiologists for Allied Health, Scientific & Technical Professions Day 2024

Nelson Balisa is one of the very passionate audiologists who treat patients with a wide range of hearing-related needs at North Shore Hospital. 

Born and trained in the Philippines, he began his career in ENT [Ear, Nose and Throat - or Otolaryngology] and now has a master’s degree in audiology. His practice involves the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hearing, balance, or ear problems.  

Nelson has worked for Health NZ in Mid-Central and Counties Manukau and in private practice before he came to Waitematā as a senior audiologist.  

“My role is pretty wide-ranging,” says Nelson. “I do pre and post-operative assessments for our specialists, and I handle a lot of referrals for hearing issues from GPs and schools.  

“We are working smarter in the role these days and are currently upskilling all of our audiologists to take on an expanded role in treating patients – a process which involves training but is set to free up our specialists as we carry a little more responsibility.    

In some instances, it’ll improve wait times and will mean we get to see patients sooner.”  

Nelson is enthusiastic about new trends in coming through in his field. He says the growing use of wireless and bluetooth technology are revolutionising the ‘look’ and effectiveness of hearing aids.  

“The compactness of hearing aids and a growing trend for patients to use an app on their smartphones to help them hear, are significant advances.”  

“I’m very enthusiastic about my future here at Waitematā – great patients, great colleagues and a very rewarding job.”