New Grey Power partner, Resonate Health brings a whole new concept to hearing connectivity, its founder and CEO, James Whittaker, displaying integrity and a profound passion for sharing the wider benefits of assisted hearing as Helen Perry discovered.
James Whittaker has a clear vision as to how New Zealand’s hearing industry should change. He wants more industry transparency and better education on hearing loss, its side effects, prevention and solutions.
He also holds to the Māori concept of Manaaki Taonga – giving before you receive, and to care for what you cherish.
“Other companies may want to sell hearing aids; we want to do whatever’s best for hearing health and have a long-term relationship with our customers. For this reason we don’t offer gimmicks such as ‘free hearing checks’.
“Investing in hearing health can have such a positive impact on well-being including improving brain function. Often the first people to notice the benefits are those you love. They enjoy having conversations more easily.”
“We are not in the business of testing to sell hearing aids. We offer the most advanced diagnostic testing available and the best value for hearing aids on the market. Furthermore, the process doesn’t end with a huge bill at the end.
“Instead, customers join Resonate with a monthly subscription which ensures they have the industry’s leading hearing aid. All servicing is free and they are provided with an upgrade every three years.”
Seen by many as a dynamic and innovative leader when it comes to hearing health, James’ entry into the world of audiology came about somewhat by accident.
“My wife and I toured New Zealand back in 1993 and fell in love with the country. We decided if we had children we would like to raise them here.”
Fifteen years later the Whittaker’s took a punt. They came here on tourist visas with their three children then set about doing the immigration legwork to enable them to work and make this country home.
“By chance I was offered a managerial job with an audiology company. Though new to me, I accepted and embraced the industry. Over time I also learned that the industry could do better, much better.”
Today, James says Resonate is the only New Zealand company to offer a monthly subscription model with a no-questions-asked returns policy.
But he says before people invest in hearing aids, having a conversation about them is important.
“We aim to impart as much information as possible before clients make a choice, the right choice for their circumstances.
“Even the best hearing aid can be a disappointment if not fitted properly. For many people there is still a stigma associated with wearing hearing aids – they see them as a sign of growing old, showing their age. Beyond that, they may also worry about cost. On the other hand, failure to recognise the need for hearing aids is more likely to make them appear old.”
Because he sees Resonate as a healthy ageing company, not a hearing aid company, James is keen to talk to groups around the country, including individual Grey Power associations, about the health benefits when hearing loss is addressed.
“Never underestimate the power of your ears in maintaining overall health. Untreated hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline and dementia, lead to balance issues, including the risk of falls, social isolation and depression and poor sleep quality.
“Investing in hearing health can have such a positive impact on well-being including improving brain function. Often the first people to notice the benefits are those you love. They enjoy having conversations more easily.”
With this in mind, the driving ambition behind Resonate is to always do what’s best for customers.
“We constantly review the latest hearing tech available internationally. Currently, there is only one option which makes the grade for healthy ageing – the ReSound Nexia™ 9.
“It’s the very best and with Bluetooth compatibility (answer your mobile phone through your hearing aid) we are confident it will transform your hearing.
“Resonate audiologists will fit clients with a pair and even let them walk out of our studio without any payment. If for any reason, they’re not right, they can be returned anytime.
“Resonate won’t sell customers into hearing aids and walk away. With us, they will receive the next generation of best tech every three years – guaranteed.”
It is this kind of commitment which has seen James make his personal mobile phone number available to all callers – part of his industry pledge to remain transparent.
He is also keen to address hearing related health issues with the Government by working with advocacy groups such as Grey Power.
“The aim is to work better and better in this environment,” he states.
Despite his heavy work schedule, preservation of the environment is something James takes seriously.
His idea of relaxation is exploring the great outdoors – camping or via his boat. He is also an avid gardener. He and wife Sonia’s five North Shore acres means he spends most weekends gardening. Often up to eight hours.
“But I never tire of it. Just like sound hearing, it is good for my health!”
