Gold medals and new sounds: Murray Blondell’s inspiring hearing journey

Murray Blondell was born hearing, but at three years old his world changed. He began to experience changes in his hearing and joined generations of his family who are also Deaf, including his great-great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, aunts, uncles, and siblings. 

Murray’s changing hearing was first noticed at kindergarten, and soon after he was fitted with hearing aids, which he wore throughout childhood and into adulthood. 

Murray Blondell at The Hearing House

Even before receiving his cochlear implant, Murray was passionate about sport. Encouraged by his father, he began competing in the Special Olympics at age six, excelling in athletics, gymnastics, swimming, and powerlifting. He went on to compete nationally and internationally, earning multiple medals. 

“In 1995 at the Summer World Games in Connecticut, I won one gold, three silvers, and three bronzes in gymnastics,” he recalls. 

Murray's medals from the 1995 Summer World Games in Connecticut

As time went on, Murray’s hearing aids became less effective, and communication became more challenging. With encouragement from his family, Murray decided to get a cochlear implant. 

The change was immediate and life-changing. Murray began hearing the world in new ways — from the soothing flow of water to the everyday buzz of life and he welcomed each moment with renewed confidence and joy. His cochlear implant also made a big difference in his work at Auckland Airport for Valley Parking. 

Today, Murray uses both a cochlear implant and a hearing aid, each supporting him in different ways. 

“With the hearing aid and cochlear implant, it gives a good balance between both ears. I’m quite happy with that,” he says. “Together they help me pick up sounds more evenly and make conversations feel more natural.” 

Murray enjoys visiting The Hearing House to work with his audiologists on mapping his cochlear implant, adjusting programs, and connecting his devices — these things all make phone calls and messaging much easier. 

For Murray, the cochlear implant has opened up not just new sounds, but new experiences — bringing moments of surprise, wonder, and joy into everyday life. 

Check out the video below where Murray talks about his inspiring journey.