Baby Louis’ hearing journey: finding connection and hope at The Hearing House

When Louis Smith was born four months ago, his parents, Nicole and Josh, were filled with all the joy and wonder that comes with meeting your first child.

What they didn’t expect, however, was that their first experience of parenthood would also become their first encounter with hearing differences.

Louis’ hearing journey began early. In his first week, the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme at Auckland Hospital suggested he might not be hearing typical sound levels. Further testing at six weeks, through an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) assessment, confirmed that he was born with very limited hearing in both ears.

 A follow-up appointment the next day confirmed the diagnosis and set in motion a series of referrals — to Starship ORL specialists, the Advisor on Deaf Children (AODC) service through the Ministry of Education, First Signs, and The Hearing House’s cochlear implant programme.

The weeks that followed were filled with appointments, scans, and discussions. At around eight weeks, Louis had an MRI and genetic testing, while at ten weeks a repeat ABR test confirmed the diagnosis.

“Dr Colin Brown, our specialist, was incredibly supportive,” says Nicole. “He guided us through what to expect and what the next steps could look like. His reassurance meant the world to us.”

In the middle of all this medical activity, a warm and welcoming email arrived from The Hearing House. The family was invited to a welcome meeting when Louis was just eleven weeks old.

At The Hearing House, they met an audiologist, a speech language therapist (SLT), and a whānau support counsellor.

“That meeting was such a turning point for us,” recalls Nicole. “It was the first time we felt truly seen — not just as parents of a baby with hearing differences, but as a family learning to navigate something completely new.”

The Hearing House provided a safe, compassionate space to ask questions, express emotions, and learn about the cochlear implant programme.

“We left feeling empowered and reassured,” says Nicole. “We knew we weren’t alone.”

Soon after, the family joined the Learn and Connect Baby Group, led by Tash, The Hearing House’s SLT early intervention lead. For Nicole and Josh, it was an incredibly valuable and moving experience — a place where families like theirs could meet, share, and celebrate their babies.

“Even though Louis was the youngest in the group, it was amazing to connect with others on similar pathways,” says Nicole. “The songs, use of NZSL, and the sense of community made us feel part of something hopeful and positive.”

As healthcare professionals themselves — Josh is a GP, and Nicole works for the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) for people with disabilities — the couple were familiar with the medical system. Yet, being on the receiving end of care was a humbling experience.

“We’ve learned to let go, trust, and allow Louis and his incredible team to guide us,” says Nicole.

Their advice to other parents is heartfelt:

“Give yourself time. It’s okay to grieve and to feel overwhelmed — but know that you’re not alone,” says Nicole. “When you’re ready, there is a whole community ready and waiting to help!”

One idea they learned from The Hearing House has stayed with them: “Deaf Gain.” Instead of seeing deafness as a loss, it reframes it as a unique identity and gateway to an exciting new culture, language, and connection.

“Louis’ journey is just beginning,” says Nicole. “We’re excited to see him grow, connect, and find his place in the deaf community.

“He has such a bright future — and we’re deeply thankful to The Hearing House for walking beside us every step of the way.”

The Smith family