Introducing our Power of Speech representative for 2025: Nate Liefting from Bombay, Auckland

Thirteen-year-old Nate Liefting loves swimming, so he was devastated when he had to give up going to lessons three years ago because he couldn’t hear what the instructor was saying in the water. 

But with the aid of his cochlear implants and an Aqua Kit, he’s excited to start lessons again this summer and finally hear his friends again at the pool. 

Next week, Nate will be travelling to the Australian Parliament in Canberra to represent The Hearing House at the annual Power of Speech event, staged by First Voice. The event highlights how early intervention and cochlear implants can support young people in building strong communication skills and reaching their full potential. It aims to celebrate the diverse ways Deaf and hard-of-hearing people connect with others and to challenge limiting perceptions about deafness. 

Nate’s mum Michelle says they first noticed some differences in how Nate responded to sound when he was six. Although no concerns were identified before he started school, his hearing changed over time with a progressive “notched” pattern that affected how he accessed certain sounds. 

“The experts exhausted all known tests, and even though there’s no family history of hearing loss, the doctors believe the cause is likely genetic,” says Michelle.  

He started wearing hearing aids when he was six, with new adjustments having to be made every six months. 

“Hearing aids got him through the first few years, but his journey was challenging,” says Michelle. “We were constantly going back to the audiologists for further tweaking, and we just felt that Nate was missing a lot of things.  

“He loves school, especially maths, but he started to struggle to catch everything in class.” 

In early May, just days before his 13th birthday, Nate received bilateral cochlear implants. The difference has been remarkable, says Michelle. 

“It sounds like normal hearing!” Nate says, delighted that he can still connect to his favourite devices, such as his Chromebook and Switch 2.  

Nate Leifting 

For Nate’s family, the implants have been life changing. Michelle says they’ve seen an almost immediate improvement.  

“We’d noticed Nate withdrawing to his room and missing a lot more speech in the lead up to surgery. Now he can hear us and join in again.  

“He hasn’t skipped a beat and is still years ahead at school, just in time to start high school next year.” 

Integrated care and support from The Hearing House has been an important part of Nate’s journey.  

Michelle describes the care as “wonderful, with excellent communication, advice and explanations, and prompt adjustments.”  

In his spare time, Nate enjoys reading, video games, and spending time with his younger brother, Kade, who’s 11.  

L to R: Kade and Nate up the Sky Tower, Auckland. 

As for speaking at the Power of Speech, Nate says he’s feeling “nervous but excited”, and he’s keen to share his story and represent The Hearing House alongside other First Voice members. 

It’ll be his first trip to Canberra and Michelle says they’ll use the opportunity to have a good look around the city and to explore Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia. 

We can’t wait to see Nate take the stage in October and inspire others with his focus and determination!