Seventeen-year-old Olivia Strang, a bilateral cochlear implant user since age two, expresses her hearing journey through art and writing. Her painting The Little Things reflects her love for sound, communication, and family, and encourages others to appreciate hearing and the small joys of life.

Supported by The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme, Olivia has also pursued innovation and creativity, winning a global inventors’ competition and connecting with other young implant recipients, shaping her identity and confidence.

Liam Leppard, born profoundly deaf and a cochlear implant user since age two, has been supported by The Hearing House throughout his life. His early access to sound and speech therapy helped him participate fully in sports, giving him confidence and a sense of belonging.

Now 18, Liam has excelled in multiple sports and was recently selected for New Zealand’s Deaf basketball team, the Black Thunders. Basketball, in particular, provides him with focus, enjoyment, and a connection to his teammates, reflecting his perseverance and dedication.

Janet Parker, 58, experienced hearing challenges that made work and daily life increasingly difficult. After exploring a cochlear implant with The Hearing House, she gained access to new sounds and improved communication, allowing her to participate fully in meetings and professional environments.

Paired with a hearing aid, the implant has reduced her listening fatigue and made work and everyday life easier. Janet credits The Hearing House for guidance and support, enabling her to embrace the technology, invest in herself, and be fully present.

Louis Smith was born with very limited hearing, and his parents, Nicole and Josh, were quickly connected with The Hearing House for support. Meeting audiologists, speech therapists, and a whānau counsellor gave the family guidance, reassurance, and a sense of community as they navigated early interventions and the cochlear implant programme.

Joining the Learn and Connect Baby Group helped them connect with other families, celebrate their babies, and embrace a positive perspective on hearing differences. The family feels supported, empowered, and hopeful for Louis’ future in the deaf community.