Snowy Monaro residents are being encouraged to make their hearing a priority in 2026 by undertaking a hearing assessment.

Locals can take advantage of the region’s only independent hearing specialist – Cooma Hearing. Owned and operated by professional audiologist, Sophie Robinson, Cooma Hearing has delivered an important boost to the region’s allied health services.

Located inside Snowline Podiatry, Cooma Hearing offers an extensive range of hearing services, including: hearing assessment, paediatric hearing assessments (from six months and older), tinnitus assessment, hearing aid fittings, and custom ear plugs.

Sophie said she is proud to offer an independent hearing service in the Snowy Monaro.

“As a small, family-owned business, we are proud to be completely independent, offering advice and services that put your needs first,” Sophie said.

“We fit a range of different hearing aids and are able to offer products from all hearing aid manufacturers. There is no sales commission on any of our hearing aids, and we will always provide the correct level of technology for your hearing loss, with no upselling.

“We are able to make a variety of custom ear plugs depending on your needs. We can make Class 5 noise plugs for noisy workplaces, or sleep.

“We are also able to make custom swim plugs for children, this is especially important following grommet surgery.”

Sophie said people can find it hard to tell when they should seek help about their hearing.

She is encouraging locals who have noticed a change or had a family member or friend comment on their hearing to seek an assessment.

“It can often be difficult to notice if our hearing is deteriorating, as it tends to be a very gradual process. Often, our family members will notice changes before us,” Sophie said.

“If you feel that you are not hearing clearly, turning the TV volume louder, or struggling to hear on the phone, then it may be time to book a hearing assessment.

“We recommend a hearing assessment every 12 months. This ensures we can identify any deterioration in the hearing levels, and recommend treatment options if required.”

Sophie brings extensive clinical experience to Cooma, having worked for eight years in large NHS hospitals in England.

This was followed by seven years in private audiology practice in Canberra, before relocating to Cooma with her husband and young family to live on their family farm.

As both a clinician and a local resident, she understands the value of delivering high-quality, accessible hearing care close to home.