Director of Abi Hearing, Senior Audiologist, and Healthcare Innovator
In a quiet clinic in Australia, the soft hum of cutting-edge audiological equipment tells the story of Shukri Abi—a refugee turned healthcare innovator whose journey from war-torn Somalia to the forefront of hearing technology exemplifies the transformative power of determination and scientific passion.
Shukri’s family fled Somalia when she was twelve, seeking refuge in New Zealand after years of political turmoil that had cost her three years of schooling. Yet by seventeen, her academic excellence earned her a university scholarship—a testament to resilience that would define her entire career. “My drive and determination have helped me overcome every challenge encountered,” she reflects, her voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who has turned adversity into strength.
With her Master of Clinical Audiology from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology, Shukri spent four transformative years as Head of Audiology at Royal Melbourne Hospital. But it was her personal experience supporting her mother through hearing loss that ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. At twenty-seven, she took a leap of faith, establishing Abi Hearing—an independent audiology practice that would revolutionize hearing healthcare.
“I was always fascinated with science and technology from a young age,” Shukri explains. “Now, as an audiologist, I help people of all ages navigate the complex world of hearing and human interaction. I get to help people gain a better quality of life through improved hearing experiences.” Her practice operates on a comprehensive care model, serving everyone from newborns to the elderly, making it one of the few entirely self-taught practices in the field.
But Shukri’s vision extends far beyond traditional audiology. She’s currently developing an innovative product that addresses a significant market gap in hearing technology. “I have been working on designing a product that would benefit me and my patients,” she reveals. “It’s about progressing toward the idea step by step; these are significant goals, and patience is necessary. I am collaborating with product designers, university researchers, and individuals with technical knowledge and expertise.”
Her advocacy for hearing injury prevention focuses on public education through a two-tier approach—educating both employers and employees about the consequences of poor noise management. “It’s about empowering people, providing feedback on the extent of the damage noise can inflict, and creating a visual tool to address this invisible problem.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Shukri dedicates herself to supporting young women in Somalia by sponsoring their education and fighting against early marriages. Her unwavering faith and family support continue to guide her mission of making hearing healthcare accessible while inspiring the next generation of young women to pursue their dreams in STEM fields.
“I don’t dwell on the difficult parts; they don’t stand out. I concentrate on the light at the end of the tunnel. That light never dims for me.”
