Connect & Share session: A welcome lifeline for Maiva

Seventy-eight-year-old Maiva Keatley, who lives in Huntly with her husband Dennis and Holly, their poodle/bichon cross, first noticed a change in her hearing following chemotherapy in her 30's. 

She says it started gradually, and she found herself asking people to repeat things more often, especially in noisy places. In her role as a healthcare assistant, she says she was no longer able to hear blood pressure monitors and eventually had to retire from her job.  

“I used to think others were just mumbling,” she says, “but over time I realised it was my hearing that was changing. 

“Initially, I managed with lip reading as much as possible and then hearing aids, but as my hearing continued to change over time, conversations — even with family — became increasingly difficult. 

“I love being around people and staying active, so losing that ability to communicate easily was really hard, and I felt very isolated a lot of the time,” she says.  

“It was easier to withdraw than to misunderstand the conversations around me.”  

The great-grandmother is a self-confessed active relaxer, enjoying gardening, scrapbooking, reading and spending time with family.  

She attended a recent Connect and Share session at The Hearing House, which provides regular opportunities for cochlear implant users and their whānau to come together, share experiences, learn from one another, and meet others in the community. The sessions are hosted by The Hearing House’s dedicated whānau support counsellor Hazel Benson-Dawe, audiologist Nick Jones and other members of the team. 

Maiva had her cochlear implant surgery in June 2025, and she says it’s been a life-changing experience.  

“While the journey hasn’t been without its ups and downs, I’m pleased to say my hearing has improved significantly over time,” she says. “Adjusting to the new sounds and sensations has taken patience, but the progress has been incredibly rewarding.” 

“One of the highlights of this journey has been the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.  

“The Connect and Share session hosted by The Hearing House was a fantastic way to share both the challenges and the successes—it made me feel supported and inspired. 

“Hearing other people’s stories reminded me that I'm not alone, and gave me hope during the tougher moments. 

“I’m still a bit nervous about having conversations on my mobile phone, but I’m working on building my confidence. My goal is to have a proper phone chat with my sister in New Plymouth — we haven’t spoken in over three years, and I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with her in that way.  

“I can also now hear my little dog Holly barking when she’s patrolling the property! Despite her size, she’s a great guard dog.  

“It’s been a real joy being able to hear my family's voices again – for a long time I hadn't been able to have a proper conversation, either in person or by phone, with my children or grandchildren. That was what I found most upsetting. 

“We celebrated my birthday at a restaurant recently and I was able to follow most of the conversation - even when they were all talking over each other – as they do, often!” 

Maiva and her husband, Dennis, with their dog, Holly