News
Expanding How We Support People: Welcoming Audiology to Guide Dogs Victoria
We are proud to announce an important milestone for Guide Dogs Victoria, the introduction of audiology services through a new partnership with Expression Audiology, part of Expression Australia.
This is an important step in expanding how we support people living with vision loss and people living with dual sensory loss; combined vision and hearing loss. Hearing plays a critical role in orientation, communication, independence and safety. When hearing is impacted, the effects can be significant. This service will support people living with vision loss to ensure early detection of subtle changes in hearing and then explore possible intervention which maximises their hearing.
Why Audiology and Why Now?
For people who are blind or have low vision, hearing is fundamental to orientation, communication, independence and safety. When hearing is also affected, the impact on confidence, mobility and overall wellbeing can be profound.
Introducing audiology services is a practical and meaningful move toward more integrated, wrap-around support, recognising that people are not defined by a single impairment, but by how well services work together around them.
About Our Partner: Expression Audiology
Expression Australia is the nation’s oldest Deaf Society, established in 1884, with a long and proud history of advocating for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Expression Audiology brings more than 50 years of clinical experience working alongside the Deaf and hard of hearing community. They are widely respected for their independent, unbiased and deeply community-informed approach, grounded in equality, belonging, empowerment and confidence, values that strongly align with our own.
We are particularly proud that this partnership brings Matthew Grounds, Senior Audiologist, into the Guide Dogs Victoria environment. Matthew is one of the most respected audiologists in Victoria, known for his clinical excellence, sector leadership and extensive experience supporting people with complex sensory needs, including Deafblind clients. His involvement is a clear marker of the quality, credibility and care this partnership brings.
What This Partnership Means in Practice
Through this collaboration:
- The audiology clinic commenced at the GDV Kew site on 20 January 2026 and appointments are available to clients, staff, volunteers and community members.
- Clinics are currently fortnightly, and are intended to grow to weekly as demand increases.
- Hearing awareness training will be offered to strengthen inclusive practice and confidence across our workforce.
- There will be active collaboration across allied health, dog services and wellbeing programs, improving outcomes for clients.
- Together, we will continue to explore innovative approaches to supporting people living with blindness, low vision, hearing loss, or a combination of both.
This partnership is about more than co-location. It’s about shared values and delivering person-centred holistic services that work better together.
Audiology is the first step, not the last, as we continue to shape future services for people with vision loss and dual sensory loss.
To book your appointment with Expressions Australia Kew Clinic, go to:
Web: expressionaudiology.com.au
Phone 1300 302 031
