Finding hope: Catherine’s hearing journey

Jun 16
3 min read

“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 70^th 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 challenging. In those days, there was little understanding and even less support. I became very good at pretending I had heard what people said. Some teachers were kind, but others were not. One teacher publicly demonstrated that I relied on lip reading by covering his mouth while speaking to me, then announcing to the class that I couldn't hear him because I couldn't see his lips moving. Experiences like that left their mark.

“Despite being told I wasn't suitable for certain careers because of my hearing, I eventually turned to nursing. I completed psychiatric nurse training and later qualified as a general nurse at the age of 33. I found it quite stressful, using phones and stethoscopes. Thankfully it’s all digital now!

“After moving to New Zealand, I received much better audiological support and was fitted with two hearing aids. The improvement was remarkable, and for many years I managed well. However, as I reached my fifties and sixties, my hearing changed significantly. Working for Hospice Waikato required constant listening and communication, and it became increasingly difficult.

“Following the death of my first husband, Richard, in 2018 after a sudden diagnosis of a brain tumour, my hearing seemed to change even more. In 2021, after years of ear infections and further changes to my hearing, I received my first cochlear implant in my left ear. A year later, after further surgery, I received a second implant in my right ear.

“What I didn't anticipate was the impact the second implant would have on music. Music had always been an important part of my life. I play the flute and passed my Grade 7 exam in 2016. Yet after receiving two cochlear implants, music became unrecognisable. Melodies disappeared. Everything sounded flat and distorted. I could no longer distinguish tunes, and I stopped playing my flute altogether.

“During this difficult period, The Hearing House became an invaluable source of support. Caroline, one of the audiologists, reassured me that hearing music again would take time and patience. I wasn't convinced. I received counselling and worked briefly with a music therapist, but progress felt painfully slow.

“Then, four years after my second implant, something changed. Gradually, I began hearing melodies again. Listening to a favourite piece of flute music, I realised I could hear the nuances, the phrasing, and the beauty I thought I had lost forever. Encouraged, I picked up my flute again. Today, I am practising regularly and have even returned to playing in church, which was always a huge goal.

“Over the past five years, The Hearing House has supported me every step of the way. Whether through scheduled appointments, advice when challenges arose, or outreach visits to my home, they have always been there. The Connect & Share group recently held in Hamilton has also helped me connect with others on similar journeys, reminding me that none of us are alone.

“My message to anyone with cochlear implants is simple: keep going. Progress may be slow, and setbacks can be discouraging, but breakthroughs often come when you least expect them. I still have work to do, but every day I hear a little more, and every day brings me closer to the music I love.”