For many people who meet Eric Andre, it’s immediately clear they are in capable hands.
Calm, thoughtful and methodical, Eric brings a unique perspective to audiology—one built on more than 25 years as an electronics engineer designing voice communication systems before embarking on an entirely new career.
Growing up in Christchurch, Eric studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Canterbury, completing both a Bachelor’s Honours degree and a Master’s degree before spending more than two decades developing communications technology for major corporations.
“It was rewarding work, but I realised I wanted to be closer to the people who actually benefit from the technology,” Eric says. “Audiology gave me the opportunity to combine my technical background with helping people directly.”
That decision led him back to the University of Canterbury, where he completed a Master of Audiology with Distinction before joining Ear Health. Since 2016, Eric has cared for clients throughout Canterbury and the North Island, helping people with hearing assessments, hearing aids, tinnitus management and earwax removal.
His electronic engineering background has proven to be an unexpected advantage.
“Hearing aids are incredibly sophisticated devices,” he says. “Understanding the technology is important, but equally important is understanding the person wearing them. Every client has different hearing needs, different lifestyles and different expectations.”
Eric credits fellow Ear Health audiologist Ron Trounson as an important mentor during the early years of his audiology career.
“Ron taught me that being a good audiologist is about much more than interpreting a hearing test. It’s about listening carefully, building trust and always putting the client first.”
For Eric, one of the most rewarding moments is seeing a client rediscover sounds they have been missing.
“I enjoy seeing the smile on people’s faces when their hearing improves,” he says. “Knowing you’ve helped someone reconnect with conversations, family and everyday life is incredibly satisfying.”
He is also passionate about helping people develop realistic expectations when they begin wearing hearing aids.
“Many people expect hearing aids to work like putting on a pair of glasses,” Eric explains. “But hearing is different. Your brain needs time to adjust to sounds it may not have heard properly for years. The technology is remarkable, but patience is part of the process.”
Eric believes Ear Health’s independence also sets it apart.
“We’re owned and managed by audiologists,” he says. “That means our focus is always on what’s best for the client rather than financial targets.”
Outside the clinic, Eric enjoys keeping active through tennis, weight training and yoga, while also following a wide range of sports.
After decades working with communication technology and now helping people hear better every day, his motivation remains simple.
“I enjoy working with clients,” he says. “Helping someone hear more clearly and communicate more confidently is what makes this profession so rewarding.”
I was a new client last week. Eric tested my hearing then took much time to connect what he had found from the testing and transferred this into my own hearing aids. I found Eric to be meticulous and patient. He was willing to see me a few days later as one ear was not quite right. He was very generous with his time and again patiently explained as there had been quite a change in my hearing loss. So I thank Eric and look forward to coming back sometime.
Also the reception ladies were helpful and pleasant.
Eric is a wonderful member of the Ear Health team – he is skilled, patient, kind and understanding. Also undaunted by me asking the same question twice (or more), I found my whole experience being fitted for a hearing aide by Eric and the subsequent on going follow up with Eric and the team fantastic. Thank you!