Game Design Workshop with Zoe Hector

On Monday 22 September, The Hearing House will host a Game Design Workshop with PhD candidate and senior audiologist, Zoe Hector. The workshop is for young people aged 10 to 18 who use cochlear implants or hearing aids. It’s a chance to get creative, connect with others, and help shape a resource designed just for them. 

Zoe brings both professional expertise and personal experience. She grew up with Deaf and hearing family members and is hard of hearing herself, using her bright pink hearing aids and remote microphone in daily life. As an adult, she learned New Zealand Sign Language, which opened the door to new friendships, community, and career opportunities. 

After working in government policy, Zoe retrained as an audiologist because she wanted to make a more direct impact.  

“I love seeing the immediate and long-term benefits of hearing devices and empowerment for kiritaki, their families, and wider communities,” she says. 

During her Master of Audiology, Zoe created Talk Town, a role-playing game that helps Deaf young people build self-advocacy skills. The project won several prizes and grants, allowing her to publish the game. 

Zoe playing Talk Town with a Deaf boy 

Now, for her PhD at HIT Lab NZ, Zoe is developing Talk Town further to make sure it truly helps teens as they gain independence.  

“There aren’t a lot of resources especially for teenagers,” she explains. “Talk Town helps build skills and confidence to manage social situations when teens spread their wings.” 

For Zoe, running workshops is one of the most rewarding parts of the project. 

“Deaf young people are so creative and fun to work with. I’m sure I learn more from them most of the time.” 

The upcoming workshop at The Hearing House will be fun, engaging, and social. Zoe hopes participants leave with new skills, new confidence, and new friends.

Zoe in the anechoic chamber at National Acoustic Laboratories, Sydney Australia.