When Faye Ketu looks back on the past two years, she describes it as an "unexpected journey". It’s been one filled with challenges she never saw coming, but also incredible opportunities she never imagined possible. For more than 25 years, Faye managed her hearing differences with hearing aids. As a nurse, she spent years working on contracts across Outback Australia, adapting as her hearing changed and expecting that she would simply continue upgrading her hearing aids when needed. But in...

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background (e.g. what and where you studied) and what led you to become an audiologist? Bri: I completed my Bachelor of Science and Master of Audiology at The University of Auckland. I was drawn to audiology because it combines healthcare, technology, and working closely with people and their whānau. I was particularly interested in the impact early intervention has on communication, education, and overall quality of life. This includes access to hearing...

“My name is Catherine Wolicki. I am 69 years old, a retired registered nurse, originally from England and now living in New Zealand. I emigrated here in 1998 and am married to Ross. Between us we have a blended family of four daughters – but most of my family is in the UK. I’m going back there for my 70th birthday with my own daughter, Katie, in November and I can’t wait. “I was born deaf and have worn hearing aids since I was five years old. Growing up in England with hearing differences was...