Why Choose a HearingUp-Certified Audiologist?

Not all audiologists provide the same level of care. Many clinics focus on selling hearing aids rather than ensuring they are fitted and programmed correctly to meet the patient’s unique needs. The HearingUp network, founded by leading audiologist Dr. Cliff Olson, connects patients with hearing professionals who adhere to the highest clinical and ethical standards in audiology.

By choosing a HearingUp-certified audiologist, you can trust that your hearing health is in expert hands.

What Sets HearingUp Providers Apart?

✔ Evidence-Based Care
HearingUp professionals follow the latest audiological research and clinical best practices to provide data-driven solutions for hearing loss. This means every recommendation—whether for a hearing aid, assistive listening device, or treatment plan—is backed by science, not sales goals.

✔ Patient-Centric Approach
Many hearing aid retailers operate under manufacturer-driven sales models. At Abi Hearing, we operate independently, meaning our only priority is what’s best for you. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, listening environment, and communication challenges before recommending solutions tailored to your specific needs.

✔ Precision-Focused Fitting with Real-Ear Measurements (REM)
A hearing aid is only as good as its fitting. One of the most critical but often overlooked steps in hearing aid programming is Real-Ear Measurements (REM). REM is a gold-standard verification method that ensures your hearing aids are adjusted precisely for your hearing loss, rather than relying on generic manufacturer settings.

Without REM, your hearing aids may not be delivering the full benefit they should. HearingUp audiologists, including Abi Hearing, always perform REM to guarantee an accurate, personalised fit.

✔ Comprehensive & Ongoing Support

Better hearing is a journey, not a one-time event. Many hearing clinics focus only on the initial fitting, but HearingUp-certified audiologists provide long-term, continuous care to ensure your hearing aids evolve with your needs.

• Regular fine-tuning and adjustments
• Performance reviews in real-world environments
• Education on hearing preservation and technology updates
• Support for adapting to new sounds and improving speech clarity

By choosing a HearingUp-certified provider, you are investing in long-term success, not just a hearing aid purchase.

The Difference You Can Hear

Not all audiologists follow these best practices, but HearingUp-certified professionals do. At Abi Hearing, we go beyond simply fitting hearing aids; we provide an exceptional standard of care that ensures you hear clearly and comfortably in every aspect of your life.

Shukri Abi

Senior Audiologist & Director of Abi Hearing Pty Ltd

Shukri Abi

Founder & Senior Audiologist

Qualifications and Memberships 

MSc Audiology (Merit), Auckland University, New Zealand; Full member of the Audiological Society of Australia, Independent Audiology Australia, and Hearing Business Alliance.

Shukri Abi is the founder, Director and Senior Audiologist of Abi Hearing. Her original vision for Abi Hearing was a people-centric, community-focussed practice that treated all hearing health conditions. Abi Hearing is proud to be one of the few truly independent audiology clinics in Melbourne.

With over 17 years’ experience in the industry, Shukri expertly delivers a range of highly specialised hearing solutions. She is conversant with medico-legal audiometry, vestibular system assessment, and noise protection. With a reputation for excellence and integrity, ENT specialists, neurology consultants and GPs regularly request that she perform complex diagnostics for their clients.

As the best hearing health outcomes are forged in partnership between audiologist and client, Shukri invests time in teaching patients to proactively manage their hearing condition. Her commitment to empowering others stems from genuine empathy. Whilst still a teenager, Shukri witnessed her Mum lose her hearing after a brief illness. She learned as much as possible to help her; recognising many points in the syllabus by the time she studied audiology at university! 

Shukri trained and worked in New Zealand, before moving to Australia and serving as the clinical leader and Head of Audiology at Royal Melbourne Hospital for four years. She is familiar with the distinct demands of both the public and private sectors. 

Jacqui Trethowan

Williamstown Clinic

Jacqui Trethowan
Audiologist

Qualifications and Memberships 

B. Arts, B. Science, Dip. Audiology, Master of Audiology, Anatomy and Physiology

Jacqui is an experienced and talented audiologist with a personalised approach to each individual’s hearing health. Her unique double degree in Science and Arts (majoring in Japanese), reflects her genuine interest in cultures, languages and people’s stories. She sees audiology as a route to understanding the function of the body and of communication and connection between people. Over a career spanning almost 20 years, Jacqui has helped many people in need in Geelong, London, the Northern Territory, Perth, Brisbane and now Melbourne. She is driven by a desire to make a difference, and ensure each person has access to the highest quality audiology services.

At Abi Hearing, Jacqui has worked with clients with a range of needs. She is sensitive to the nuances of hearing health, having worked in diagnostics with children and adults, Aged Care settings, hearing aid fittings and prescription of supportive services. She has also managed the translation of hearing resources and guides, and supported the work of several leading ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists. This gives her a well-rounded view of the hearing health journey of many of Abi Hearing’s patients, and ensures a seamless relationship with Abi Hearing’s medical and health professional partners.

Ebtesam Ali

Audiologist

Multi sites.

Ebtesam Ali
Audiologist

Qualifications and Memberships 

Bachelor of Applied Science, Master of Audiology

Accredited Audiologist from Audiology Australia

Ebtesam is excited by the opportunity to raise awareness of hearing health issues with Abi Hearing’s clients and the wider community.

Ebtesam is incredibly motivated and keeps up to date with the latest research and trends in Audiology. In particular, she has an interest in the impact of COVID-19 on hearing and has been able to support patients who have suffered from negative symptoms. 

During her previous university placements, Ebtesam experienced firsthand the importance of communication. Working with a large number of Arabic-speaking patients, she challenged herself to speak in Arabic with them. The experience helped Ebtesam better understand the confusion and frustration that many hard-of-hearing patients feel when communicating with others. 

Ebtesam is curious and active, with a passion outside of work for road trips and learning new things. She is on a constant quest to learn more about hearing health and motivate individuals to take steps to prevent hearing loss across all ages – all in a fun, non-judgemental and supportive way.

Mirela Mesic

Receptionist and Practice Manager

Mirela Mesic

Receptionist and Practice Manager

Mirela’s warm welcome when you arrive at Abi Hearing reflects the positive experience you will have with all our staff. She is the receptionist and practice manager for our Williamstown and North Melbourne clinics, where she plays an important role in helping the practice to run calmly and efficiently. 

Mirela is a natural people person. She loves catching up with our regulars when they visit the clinic, and is always happy to have a chat and set people at ease before their appointments. Mirela’s personalised touches in the clinic include our lovely houseplants, that create a light, bright and positive atmosphere. 

The medical and health sector has always been Mirela’s professional passion. She was originally a pharmacy assistant for ten years, before becoming a receptionist with the Australian College of Optometry. Working in audiology adds another dimension to her understanding of people’s wholistic health. 

When she’s not at work, Mirela is busy managing the schedules of her two outgoing teenagers! She is also well-known amongst friends and colleagues for her love of cooking. During lock-down, she spent plenty of time trying out new recipes and cooking for her family. Her favourite thing to bake is cakes, and the Abi Hearing team always looks forward to her bringing them into the clinic and sharing them! 

Asha Ali

Receptionist

Asha Ali

Receptionist

Asha is a friendly and knowledgeable receptionist part of the Abi Hearing admin team. She is a receptionist for our Williamstown and North Melbourne clinics, where she greets patients with a smile and ensures a smooth operation of the practice so you can make the most out of every appointment.

Asha is a student studying for Bachelor of teaching at Melbourne University. She has completed  Bachelor of science from Monash University.

Presently, Asha works alongside Mirela, Abi Hearing practice Manager providing an exceptional customer focused service to all patients.

While the medical field is not where Asha aims on building her career, she does have a passion for holistic health and an interest in the medical field.