​Recently, Bronwyn and Chris, two of our SLTs, delivered a lecture to Speech and Language Therapy students at the University of Auckland.​ ​Their session explored the important role SLTs play in adult cochlear implant rehabilitation — from supporting communication and hearing outcomes to providing psychosocial counselling and planning personalised rehabilitation programmes.​ ​We were also grateful to be joined by our kiritaki/clients Annette, Keith, and Paul, along with Jacki

Last week, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro hosted a reception to celebrate 20 years of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006. The Act made NZSL an official language of Aotearoa, giving it recognition in legal settings and protecting it as an important cultural and linguistic taonga.​ ​Claire Green, our CEO, was proud to represent The Hearing House at the event. It was inspiring to see the impact NZSL has had over the past two decades and to celebrate the ongoing work to mak

Our recent Connect & Share group brought together cochlear implant and hearing aid users for an afternoon of connection, conversation and shared experiences. Hazel Benson-Dawe, our whānau support counsellor, said the purpose of the popular sessions was to bring kiritaki/clients together to establish common ground – whether it was benefits or challenges. “We’re creating an environment where we can be aware of each other’s communication needs and spend time working on making

Ailsa Wilson, a hearing therapist trainee from Your Way | Kia Roha, is now holding a regular monthly clinic at Hearing House, which began on Thursday, 12 March. Ailsa brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role in hearing therapy, along with a strong commitment to supporting people with hearing loss and their whānau in ways that are people-centred, practical and empowering. Ailsa Wilson from Your Way | Kia Roha Working together to support peop

During last week’s Northland outreach visit, our team stopped by Ruawai Primary School near Dargaville to see one of our kiritaki/clients, 6-year-old Titus. ​Titus has had his cochlear implant for just over three years and was very excited to see The Hearing House mobile clinic arrive at his school. Our team could support Titus in a place where he feels comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.​ ​This is why outreach matters.​ ​By connecting with kiritaki/clients of all age

This week we mark International Cochlear Implant Day — a moment to reflect on the role cochlear implants can play in supporting communication, connection, and participation. At The Hearing House, we see every day how connection takes many forms. Whether through cochlear implants, NZSL, spoken language, assistive technology, or a combination of approaches, each journey is unique — shaped by personal identity, whānau aspirations, and informed choice. Here, we’re proud to share

Huge congratulations to Hearing House kiritaki/client Danielle Aitchison, named 2026 Para Athlete of the Year at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards! 🏆 Pictured with James Sandilands who won the Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year Award, and Hamish Kerr who won the Supreme Halberg Award and the ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year Award (credit to athleticsnz) ​ ​ This is the highest accolade in Para sport in Aotearoa, recognising an extraordinary 2025 season where Danielle claimed two W

Barry Bjerring is a retired farmer now based in Katikati in the Bay of Plenty. After years farming in Waihi, he received his cochlear implant a year ago, having lived with hearing differences for many years. Here, his daughter Janine shares her family's story. “Dad first mentioned a year or so back that his audiologist had suggested that a cochlear implant might be a good option for him. She had done all that she could to help him with hearing aids. Gradually, he needed t

We celebrated a very special day at The Hearing House recently, with the switch-on of one of our youngest kiritaki/clients, six-month-old Louis Smith.​ His mum Nicole says that after switch-on, Louis was more alert and curious as he took in the environment around him.​ “He’s now turning towards sounds, which has been magical to see,” says Nicole.​ “He’s back to his normal happy self, now just with the gift of hearing. We're so thankful! ​ “The team at The Hearing House have