Saturday 3rd July saw the launch of our first ever Cochlear Implant Roadshow in Matamata. It was a half-day of engaging discussions, information sharing, experience-based perspectives, and networking.

The impact of hearing loss has far-reaching consequences on a person’s life; from communication challenges to isolation, loneliness. increased risk of depression, mental health issues, cognitive decline, and dementia.

Over the past thirty years, advancements in cochlear implant technology have changed the lives of many adults affected by a severe or profound hearing loss, giving them access to hearing in a real-world setting, with improved health and quality of life outcomes. Yet this life-changing technology is being underutilized for New Zealand adults.

The aim of the roadshow was to raise awareness about the benefits of cochlear implants for adults in addition to identifying who is an appropriate candidate for an implant and how to refer them into the publically funded cochlear implant programmes.

The half-day roadshow included a keynote address from one of New Zealand's leading cochlear implant surgeons, Bill Baber, in addition to presentations about the cochlear implant programmes, cochlear implant technology and hearing assistive technologies, case studies and a Q & A session.

Bringing together what it means to be working towards a Healthier Hearing New Zealand 2021.

The educational seminar covered:

• What is involved in cochlear implant surgery and who is a suitable candidate
• Cochlear implants for adults in New Zealand.
• How to identify and refer suitable candidates to the publically funded cochlear implant programmes.
• Cochlear implant technology and hearing assistive technologies.
• A case study from a bilateral cochlear implant user.
• Q & A session.

PRESENTATION OVERVIEWS

KEYNOTE

BILL BABER

Bill is an ear, nose and throat surgeon with a special interest in ear surgery. Along with Ron Goodey, Bill played and integral part in the establishment of New Zealand’s first Cochlear Implant programme. Working with a team of dedicated professionals to restore or develop the sense of hearing has easily made this the highlight of Bill’s career in ENT Surgery.

PRESENTATION DOWNLOAD

PRESENTERS

Nic Russell

Nic Russell has been the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Pindrop Foundation for 10 years. Nic comes from a health advocacy and consumer engagement background, having worked in health campaigns  and attended international training workshops for health consumer advocacy in America and Australia. Nic holds a post graduate diploma in communications management and PR, in addition to a BA in Psychology. The driving force behind her role is the people she meets and seeing the life changing benefits cochlear implants have had on their lives. Nic will give an overview of cochlear implants for adults.

‍

Simon Wilson

COCHLEAR ASIA PACIFIC

Simon has been with Cochlear Asia Pacific for 10 years, supporting the delivery of cochlear implant technology and services to surgeons, hearing health professionals and cochlear implant recipients.

‍

Josie Calcott

NURSE & BILATERAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT USER

Josie is a bilateral cochlear implant (CI) user and registered nurse working at Tauranga Hospital. Josie got her first CI in 2012 through the publicly funded Northern Cochlear Implant Trust after waiting 2 years. Due to the busy hospital setting Josie works in, she believed 2 ears would be better than 1, and a dedicated group of Josie’s friends fundraised for her to receive her 2nd CI in 2018. Josie has been a dedicated CI advocate, speaking to numerous community groups, MP’s and Ministers about the need for increased access to CI for adults affected by a severe to profound hearing loss. Josie now lives her life to her fullest, as a nurse, wife, mother, and a very committed runners captain at her club, encouraging others to run.

‍

Owen Dentice

PRODUCT MANAGER, REID TECHNOLOGY

Owen joined Reid Technology Ltd almost 3 years ago after a long career in Telecommunications industry, culminating in the development of fibre optic network delivery systems to homes and businesses. Now helping Bellman & Symfon fashion a collective and connected system of components to deliver peace-of-mind to those with Hearing Disabilities, at home and in the workplace. Reid Technology Ltd is New Zealand’s largest supplier of audiology products and accessories with over 40 years experience, proudly supporting those who live with hearing impairment and the greater audiology industry.