IT'S INTERNATIONAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT DAY!

Let's come together to celebrate the transformative power of this technology and support those impacted by hearing loss.

Did you know a cochlear implant works by converting sound into electrical signals and stimulating the nerve fibers in the cochlea to allow the brain to process sound? It's amazing how this technology has improved the quality of life for so many people.

On this special day, let's spread awareness about the benefits of cochlear implants and their positive impact. Let's support the cochlear implant community and work towards a future where everyone has access to the gift of sound. ❤ #InternationalCochlearImplantDay #GiftofSound.

Members of the cochlear implant community here in Aotearoa NZ celebrate this life changing technology and their hopes for the future.

ANGELINE SLADE - HEARING THERAPIST

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Angeline Slade is a highly qualified and experienced Hearing Therapist serving the Bay of Plenty community. As a member of the Your Way | Kia Roha team, Angeline is one of 22 hearing therapists working throughout New Zealand to provide the best possible outcomes for adults with cochlear implants. With years of experience in the field, Angeline is dedicated to supporting and empowering her clients on their hearing journeys. She shares with us what working within the cochlear implant community means to her.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLIENTS?

As a hearing therapist, I've had the privilege of accompanying many cochlear implant clients on their journey towards better hearing. Over the years, I've witnessed the decline in their hearing and the limitations of hearing aids in addressing their needs. This decline not only affects their relationships with others and their work, but also impacts their overall enjoyment of life.

It's heartbreaking to see how this decline often leads to isolation and withdrawal, but it's also incredibly motivating for me to be able to offer hope and support. I listen to their challenges and work with them to find strategies and solutions to improve their day-to-day communication. When they finally receive their cochlear implant, I support them in adapting to this life-changing technology and watch as they learn to hear again.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT IT?

One of the most rewarding experiences is witnessing the transformation in individuals as they regain their ability to hear. The joy they feel in being able to identify sounds that others may take for granted, such as their spouse's voice or their grandchild's laughter, is truly heartwarming. I also get to see them reconnect with the things they love and try new experiences that were previously impossible due to communication difficulties.

However, the biggest reward is seeing their smiling faces and the physical transformation that occurs as they become more confident and engaged in the world. Watching people walk with a newfound sense of pride and purpose is truly priceless. It's a privilege to be a part of their journey towards better hearing and a better quality of life.

WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ON INTERNATIONAL CI DAY?

I will be celebrating the transformative power of modern hearing technology. The advancements in this field have allowed many of my clients to regain their ability to hear, and in turn, their quality of life has improved tenfold.

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE TO HELP THE CI COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

There would no longer be a waitlist for cochlear implants if funding were available immediately for those who require it as the next step in their hearing journey. Additionally, there would be greater awareness for individuals struggling with hearing loss, letting them know that a cochlear implant may be a solution for them.

Read more about the wonderful work of Hearing Therapists in the community HERE

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CEDRIC RATAMA - COCHLEAR IMPLANT ADVOCATE

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"Celebrating International Cochlear Implant Day with Cedric Ratima: A Unilateral Implant User and Advocate"

Cedric Ratima is a proud resident of the far Northland town of Whangarei and a dedicated cochlear implant user and advocate. Born in Whakatane Bay of Plenty, Cedric has spent the majority of his life in Northland with his partner Beverley Fordham and their five adult children.

Four years ago, Cedric received his unilateral cochlear implant and has since taken an active role in the Northland CI group, advocating for increased access to cochlear implants and supporting recipients and potential recipients. He has shared his experience with hearing loss with over 170 delegates at the bi-annual cochlear implant forum, which brings together members of the cochlear implant community from New Zealand and abroad.

In honor of International Cochlear Implant Day, we asked Cedric to share his thoughts on the significance of this day and the impact of cochlear implants on his life.

"I am grateful for my cochlear implant and for the opportunity to share my experience with others. Cochlear implants have changed my life in so many positive ways and I am passionate about advocating for increased access to this life-changing technology. International Cochlear Implant Day is an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about the impact of cochlear implants on individuals and communities."

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLIENTS?

The motivation I get from communicating with CI user's is that we can share what works for us and what doesn't.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT IT?

The most rewarding thing for me is simply being able to hear and take part in important discussions with diverse organisations.

WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ON INTERNATIONAL CI DAY?

Being able to hear.

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE TO HELP THE CI COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The changes I would like to see is that we get full funding for adult Bilateral cochlear clients.

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JOSIE CALCOTT - A BILATERAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT USER AND A DEDICATED ADVOCATE

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Josie is a registered nurse and a bilateral cochlear implant (CI) user who has made a difference in the lives of many individuals affected by severe to profound hearing loss. In 2012, Josie received her first CI through the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust after a waiting period of two years. In a fast-paced and demanding hospital setting, Josie felt that two ears were better than one, and with the help of her friends, she was able to fundraise for her second CI in 2018.

Josie is a passionate advocate for increased access to cochlear implants, and she has been speaking to various community groups, MPs, and ministers about the importance of the cause. She has inspired many individuals to live their lives to the fullest and has encouraged others to take control of their hearing loss.

We spoke to her about celebrating international cochlear implant day.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLIENTS?

I am so grateful for being able to receive my first Cochlear implant, which was so life changing that it has motivated me to help others get the same thing.
What is the most rewarding thing about it?
seeing others life’s change like mine did.

WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ON INTERNATIONAL CI DAY?

For me, I will be using that time to reflect on what it has done for me and remind myself how it used to be compared to how it is now - I am forever grateful

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE TO HELP THE CI COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To have IMMEDIATE access to funding for BILATERAL Cochlear Implants. One ear is no where near enough. People need two ears.

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MICHEL NEEFF - COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGEON

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Michel is a highly-skilled Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgeon who has had a remarkable journey in his career. He received his degree from The University of Auckland and went on to complete his training in the field with The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2005. The following year, he was awarded a fellowship at the Skull Base and Auditory Implant Unit in Manchester, UK, where he honed his skills in skull base procedures, including acoustic neuroma surgery, auditory implant surgery, and oncological surgery. Michel has been a surgeon with the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme since it’s inception in 2005.

In addition to his clinical work, Michel is also a Senior Lecturer at the Auckland Medical School and the Clinical Chairperson of the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP). His passion for teaching and helping his patients is evident in all that he does, making him a valuable asset to the cochlear implant community.

Michel shares his views on being a cochlear implant surgeon in Aotearoa NZ

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLIENTS?

Working in a team of people (the CI programme) that can support families and patients to create a smooth journey from the initial assessments, to surgery and then switch on motivates me. Families and patients are often at the end of their tether by the time they arrive and the journey can seem like a mountain to climb to them. Through explanation and inclusive planning a lot of the stress can be removed.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT IT?

Seeing patients and families return for their follow up appointment and knowing that they are doing well (which most of them are). Suddenly the stress is taken away from them, they are suddenly at ease.

WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ON INTERNATIONAL CI DAY?

I will celebrate all the patients who received an implant and those who are ready to have one soon. But I will also champion for those whom we have not reached yet or for whom no funding is available.

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE TO HELP THE CI COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Unlimited funding for all who would benefit from CIs: which would mean bilateral CIs for adults and CI for SSD in children and adults.

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NIKKI MOLONEY - COCHLEAR IMPLANT ADVOCATE

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"Celebrating International Cochlear Implant Day with Nikki Moloney: A Cochlear Implant User and Advocate"

Nikki Moloney is a resident of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, where she lives with her husband Simon. She has two grown-up sons and is the proud grandmother of two little boys. Nikki has been a cochlear implant user for nearly a decade and a passionate advocate for increasing access to cochlear implants for adults. She has participated in health select committee meetings, attended forums and professional conferences, and shared her experiences living with severe hearing loss and the challenges of long wait times for a cochlear implant.

In addition to her advocacy work, Nikki co-organizes and coordinates a quarterly peer-to-peer support group for cochlear implant users in the Bay of Plenty. Through this group, she works to support and empower those who are waiting for an implant, as well as those who have already received one.

Nikki shares her motivations for her advocacy work, what she finds most rewarding about it, and what she celebrates on International Cochlear Implant Day. She also shares her hope for a future where funding for cochlear implants is readily available, eliminating the waitlist and reducing the social isolation and loneliness faced by those with profound hearing loss.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLIENTS?

I recognise what it is like to be in the profoundly deaf world each night when I take my processor off and I do not want that to be a permanent place for people that have profound hearing loss to be in. That's why I strive to raise awareness about the life-changing potential of cochlear implant technology through public events, workshops, and conferences. Through our CI Consumer Groups, I aim to support those waiting for an implant and those with other hearing technology on their journey, helping them to become more informed and confident in their decisions.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT IT?

My life and world changed dramatically the moment I was switched on with my cochlear implant. I was able to reconnect with my teenage sons and rekindle my relationship with my husband by participating in everyday activities like going to the movies, dining out, and driving in the car, all while being able to hear him on the phone. My life was given back to me, and I no longer had to strain to lip read the children I worked with and understand why they were upset. The cochlear implant truly transformed my life for the better.

However, the biggest reward is seeing their smiling faces and the physical transformation that occurs as they become more confident and engaged in the world. Watching people walk with a newfound sense of pride and purpose is truly priceless. It's a privilege to be a part of their journey towards better hearing and a better quality of life.

WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ON INTERNATIONAL CI DAY?

Every day, I am grateful for the sounds that come into my ear. Each day presents a new experience for my brain as it learns to process and understand new sounds that contribute to my wellbeing and safety in my daily life.

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE TO HELP THE CI COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My hope is for reliable and continuous funding for cochlear implants, so that individuals do not have to wait on a waiting list for more than three months. The prolonged social isolation and loneliness experienced by those with profound deafness can have a significant impact on their quality of life, and having access to cochlear implants in a timely manner can help alleviate some of these challenges.

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RICHARD MILNE - BILATERAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT USER AND ADVOCATE

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"Overcoming Stigma and Achieving Success: Richard Milne's Story of Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implants"

Richard Milne, a farmer from South Taranaki, has lived with hearing loss his entire life. Despite facing stigma and discrimination surrounding hearing loss, Richard did not let that stop him from achieving success. Along with his wife Lynne, Richard built a successful farming business and proved that hearing loss does not have to hold one back professionally.

In 2018, after nearly 70 years of struggling with severe hearing loss, and no longer getting any benefit from his hearing aids, Richard decided to get his first cochlear implant. The long wait times for a publicly funded implant prompted Richard to self-fund his first implant, before going bilateral the following year.

Since receiving his cochlear implants, Richard has been able to experience surround sound and directional hearing for the first time in his life. He recognizes the cochlear implants as the best investment decision he has ever made, and they have given him so much more to life.

Richard's bravery in overcoming stigma and speaking about his hearing loss and cochlear implants has inspired others. He has spoken at Fieldays, the largest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere, sharing his journey and encouraging others to take control of their hearing loss. Richard's story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of technology on improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.

Here are his thoughts on celebrating cochlear implants.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT CLIENTS?

Hearing loss is gradual and it creeps up on you. As I lost more and more of my hearing I realised I was isolating myself from socialising with other people in my work, community and family life. I had not been able to talk on the telephone for years and had left Lynne to do both telephone work and a lot of face to face conversations. Once I had my first cochlear implant I realised just what I had been missing and felt there was a need to get out there and help find other people who were missing so much in there lives through hearing loss.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT IT?

It is very rewarding to give people hope that they will be able to get back their ability to hear and communicate better. And letting them know that the success rate of implants is very high.

However, the biggest reward is seeing their smiling faces and the physical transformation that occurs as they become more confident and engaged in the world. Watching people walk with a newfound sense of pride and purpose is truly priceless. It's a privilege to be a part of their journey towards better hearing and a better quality of life.

WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ON INTERNATIONAL CI DAY?

Celebrating Cochlear Implant Day is about appreciating more publicity for the benefits of implants for not only the recipients but also their families and the wider community.

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE TO HELP THE CI COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Probably the best thing to help change is encouraging more grass roots word of mouth by CI clients to talk about the benefits they give people. More awareness needs to be built with Audiologists and other frontline professionals about the benefits of CI. Often a person receives their CI, they leave their local audiologist and receive their future care by the specialist Cochlear Implant Program audiologists and this has lead to a vacuum in frontline audiologists not seeing the real benefits of CI.

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VIEW CI DAY 2022

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LYN POLWART, A COCHLEAR IMPLANT ADVOCATE AND REMARKABLE WOMAN. SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2022.

Lyn Polwart, a cochlear implant advocate and remarkable woman, passed away on September 15th, 2022. She was one of the first recipients of cochlear implants to join the advocacy movement for better funding and early access to cochlear implants in Aotearoa NZ. Her dedication to this cause was unwavering, as she initiated a petition to the government in January 2012, calling for the re-prioritization of health funding to provide access to cochlear implants for deaf New Zealanders.

In March of that same year, Lyn and a group of CI advocates delivered an 8,000 signature petition to MP Mojo Mathers on the steps of Parliament during Hearing Week. This petition led to a Health Select Committee meeting on the issue in October 2012, where Lyn shared her experience of deafness alongside Nikki Moloney and other CI advocates.

Lyn had lived with hearing loss her entire life, but as she got older, it progressively worsened. She bravely shared her experience with the Health Select Committee, stating that "living with deafness, you are in solitary confinement all day and every day. It was torture."

Lyn's personal journey with cochlear implants began after 7 years of struggling with severe hearing loss. She researched and discovered that cochlear implants could break her out of the "prison of [her] disability." However, she was told that there was a four to seven-year wait for the implant, which was too long to wait at 74 years old. So, Lyn funded her own implant.

After experiencing the life-changing benefits of cochlear implants, Lyn passionately advocated for better knowledge and access to this technology. She talked to health professionals about the benefits of cochlear implants, hosted educational stands at audiology and GP conferences, and remained an active advocate until the last year of her life.

Lyn's legacy is one of perseverance, dedication, and a brighter future for the many adults in Aotearoa NZ who need access to cochlear implants

Lyn will be forever missed, but her impact will never be forgotten.