Renée Orams: Leading the way in paediatric audiology at The Hearing House

The Hearing House
May 6
2 min read

“I want to help anybody who wants to achieve some level of communication. The ability to help give people a better option is wonderful.”

That’s the guiding principle behind Renée Orams’ decades-long career—and it’s the driving force behind her new role as team leader of the paediatric audiology practice at The Hearing House.

Originally from Washington State, Renée’s career began after earning a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Western Washington University in 1989. But her pathway into audiology was deeply personal.

When her younger brother Peter contracted meningitis as a baby, he became deaf—a diagnosis that came too late for early intervention. That experience shaped Renée’s lifelong dedication to improving outcomes for children and families navigating similar journeys.

With more than 30 years of experience across private clinics, national programmes, and international institutions, Renée brings extensive expertise to her new leadership position. She helped establish the NZ Deafness Database, contributed to paediatric cochlear implant protocols, and has trained and mentored countless clinicians. Her work has spanned the U.S., Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand—which she now proudly calls home.

Renée is passionate about equitable healthcare. In her new role, she’s especially excited about expanding The Hearing House’s mobile hearing clinic outreach.

“For families who are financially or logistically stretched, coming to us at The Hearing House in Auckland isn’t always possible,” she says. “The van allows us to take full audiology and screening services directly to the regions—giving people greater and more inclusive access to our services.”

She also champions collaboration across teams and age groups. Renée sees huge value in strengthening the transition between paediatric and adult cochlear implant services, building on her experience with the Bright Futures Programme.

Her commitment goes beyond clinical work. Renée advocates for informed choice, working closely with organisations like Deaf Aotearoa and Ko Taku Reo to ensure clients understand all communication options—not just cochlear implants. She’s equally passionate about supporting colleagues and ensuring the entire audiology team remains upskilled and confident.

Outside of work, Renée loves the outdoors. Whether sailing, paddleboarding, or trail biking, she finds energy in nature—something she shares with her family. Her daughter is an elite-level wind-foiler with an eye on the 2028 Olympics, while her son works in marine services in Australia.

“I see audiology not just as a profession, but as a way to change lives,” Renée says. “I’m honoured to be part of The Hearing House team—and excited for what we can achieve together.”