Hanin shares how she received her cochlear implant as a child and spent many years supported by The Hearing House, her family, and educators to develop her communication skills and access sound.

She went on to study Architecture and Spatial Design, building an international career and also working as a photographer and speaker on inclusion. Hanin reflects on her journey as one shaped by determination and strong support, and now hopes to inspire others to follow their goals and stay hopeful.

Deborah shares her hearing journey, which began in her mid-30s while she was teaching and raising young children. After first being fitted with hearing aids, she continued working as a food technology teacher for many years, adapting to changes in her hearing with ongoing support so she could stay connected in her professional and family life.

In 2024, Deborah chose to have a cochlear implant. With guidance from The Hearing House, she gradually adjusted to the device and found sounds becoming clearer and more natural over time. She describes the experience as empowering, helping her regain confidence in everyday situations and strengthening her connection with her grandchildren and wider community.

Eviana Peterson, a Year 13 student from Mount Maunganui College, shares her experience on a five-day Inspiration Voyage with the Spirit of Adventure. Living with cochlear implants since early childhood, she has grown up supported by her family and The Hearing House, which has helped her stay connected and access opportunities throughout her life.

She describes the voyage as a long-held dream, made possible through a supported and inclusive programme. During the trip, she fully took part in sailing activities, built confidence, and navigated small challenges with her cochlear implants, while feeling well supported on board. Eviana says the experience was empowering and has inspired her to return for a longer voyage in the future and support others in similar journeys.

Janine shares how her father Barry’s hearing journey began to impact their family, as he started missing parts of conversations and becoming more withdrawn from everyday moments. Having spent years working around loud farm machinery, it became harder for him to stay connected, and the family found it difficult seeing him unintentionally left out.

She explains that exploring a cochlear implant became an important and positive step forward. With the support of The Hearing House, the process felt smooth and well supported. For Janine, the most meaningful change has been seeing her dad reconnect — and she encourages other families to consider it as a way to strengthen connection and communication.