Starting Over: How Dr Søren Thompson Built a New Life in NZ

For many people who meet Dr Søren Thompson, the first thing they notice is his calm, measured manner. The second is his ability to connect.

What they may not realise is that the respected Audiologist and owner of Ear Health had to build his life in New Zealand from the ground up.

Born and raised in Eastern Europe, Søren originally trained and practised as a General Practitioner before making the decision to move to New Zealand with his young family in the early 2000s.

Leaving behind an established medical career was not a decision he took lightly.

“When you move to a new country, you leave behind everything that’s familiar,” Søren says. “Your qualifications, your professional network, your understanding of how things work. You have to prove yourself all over again.”

Arriving in New Zealand with English as his second language brought its own challenges.

“The language was one thing, but learning the culture was just as important,” he says. “Healthcare is about people. You need to understand how people communicate, what matters to them, and how they like to be treated.”

Rather than seeing obstacles, Søren saw opportunities.

After arriving in New Zealand, he completed a Masters of Audiology and began working as an Audiologist. It was a significant career shift, but one that allowed him to combine his medical background with his passion for helping people.

“I loved general practice because every patient was different,” he says. “Audiology is much the same. You’re not just doing hearing tests and fitting hearing aids. You’re helping someone stay connected to the people and activities they love.”

Over time, Søren established several successful audiology clinics throughout Canterbury, where he first met and worked alongside fellow audiologists Ron Trounson and Eric Andre. The professional relationships they built there continue today. After successfully growing and later selling the Canterbury business, Søren turned his attention to a new challenge.

In 2016, Søren became the owner of Ear Health. Today he oversees clinics across Auckland and Christchurch, leading a team of clinicians and support staff while continuing to work directly with clients.

Despite his business responsibilities, Søren remains first and foremost a clinician.

Many of the people he works with are older adults who may be frustrated, isolated, or struggling to stay connected with family and friends. Building trust in those situations requires patience, empathy, and exceptional communication skills.

“A lot of people come to see us because hearing has gradually become harder,” he says. “They might be missing parts of conversations with their grandchildren or withdrawing from social situations. When you can help restore that connection, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Away from work, Søren has embraced New Zealand life wholeheartedly. A passionate rugby supporter, he follows the All Blacks closely and rarely misses a major test match.

“When I first arrived, rugby helped me understand New Zealand culture,” he says with a smile. “It’s more than a sport here. It’s part of the national identity. Supporting the All Blacks was one of the easier parts of becoming a Kiwi.”

More than two decades after arriving in New Zealand, Søren has built a successful career, raised a family, and established himself as one of the country’s respected hearing healthcare professionals.

For him, success has never been about clinic numbers or business growth alone.

“It’s always about people,” he says. “If someone walks out of the clinic hearing better, feeling more confident, and more connected to the people around them, that’s what matters most.”