Hearing care with heart

IN the heart of Newtown, Geelong, and across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Armstrong Creek communities, Victorian Hearing has become a trusted name synonymous with ethical care, local connection and genuine human impact.

This success is no accident. It is the result of two decades of visionary leadership from founder and principal audiologist Nicole Bowden, a woman, mother, board member and mentor whose values are deeply rooted in community, integrity and patient-centred care.

Nicole joined Victorian Hearing during its foundation in 2006 with a simple yet powerful belief: hearing healthcare should always put people first.

Her vision was to deliver truly patient-centred audiology, free from commercial bias.

At a time when much of the industry was shifting towards high-pressure sales models, Nicole chose a different path, one grounded in independence, transparency and trust.

This commitment ensures recommendations are guided solely by clinical needs, lifestyle and long-term outcomes, empowering clients to make informed choices with confidence.

Today, Victorian Hearing is a proudly independent, award-winning audiology practice employing 23 staff, many of whom live locally and share a strong commitment to caring for their community.

From families in Geelong’s suburbs to retirees along the Bellarine Peninsula and active residents of the Surf Coast, Victorian Hearing provides comprehensive services tailored to local needs.

These include full diagnostic hearing assessments for children and adults, tinnitus management, wax removal, custom ear plugs for musicians, sleep and swimming, cochlear implant services, and advanced hearing technologies such as the 100 per cent invisible Lyric 24/7 extended-wear hearing aid.

The focus is never on selling a device, but on improving quality of life, whether that means hearing grandchildren at Kardinia Park, feeling confident in the workplace or staying socially connected at community events.

Nicole is widely recognised as a trailblazer in ethical business practices within healthcare. She has played a significant role in reshaping workplace medical recruitment policies to better support people with hearing loss, advocating for fairness, inclusion and accessibility.

Her innovative work in Lyric self-replacement protocols has earned global recognition, and her expertise is regularly shared through mentoring, speaking engagements and her role as a chair of the Hearing Business Alliance.

Beyond clinical care, Victorian Hearing’s impact is deeply rooted in community and sustainability. From hearing aid recycling initiatives to outreach programs that improve access to hearing healthcare both locally and overseas, the practice is committed to giving back while reducing its environmental footprint.

These initiatives reflect a broader vision of social responsibility, one that recognises the connection between health, community and environment.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the achievements of women in business across our region, Victorian Hearing proudly acknowledges the leadership of Nicole Bowden.

Her journey is one of courage, innovation and values-driven success.

By proving that ethical healthcare and business excellence can go hand-in-hand, Nicole continues to shape the future of audiology, transforming lives, strengthening communities and inspiring women to lead with purpose. Let’s hear well and live well.