- Hearing
NextSense client Sofia took to the podium at the New Zealand Parliament Buildings to speak to policymakers and government leaders about how cochlear implant technology and early support have changed her life at the inaugural NZ Power of Connection event.
The event celebrated the diverse ways that people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate, and the impact of inclusive, connected care. It featured perspectives from children and adults with hearing loss who use a range of communication modes including New Zealand Sign Language and spoken language.
Held for the first time in New Zealand, the Power of Connection builds on the success of the Power of Speech event held in Parliament House, Canberra. This year it was hosted by Kiwi cochlear implant service provider The Hearing House and supported by Cochlear Ltd and First Voice, the regional voice advocating for world-class early intervention services.
Sofia was born with hearing loss in both ears and received cochlear implants when she was six months old. She has received NextSense audiology and early intervention services since then, including having worked with her speech pathologist Sharon over many years.
“[My therapists] are like family because they care for me,” she told MPs and others at the event. An accomplished ballet and jazz dancer, star netball player and avid reader, Sofia spoke about how her cochlear implants have empowered her to achieve her goals.
— SofiaLife is not perfect as a deaf person, but because of Cochlear I will always be myself and nothing will ever change that. Cochlears have changed my life, because I can’t hear like other kids can, but I can do everything they do.
NextSense Chief Executive Chris Rehn, who is a Director and Co-Chair of First Voice, spoke about the importance of quality, evidence-based early intervention services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
— Chris Rehn, Chief Executive, NextSenseQuality early intervention services such as audiology and speech therapy, delivered in an evidence-based setting, mean that children with hearing loss can reach the same speech milestones as their hearing peers.
He acknowledged the warm welcome—including a Māori karakia (blessing) and waiata (song)—and the contributions of everyone who made the Power of Connection possible.
“I can’t think of a better reason to come together–to respect and understand the different lived experiences of those who are deaf–and to ensure this is the first of many such conversations that we collectively have about how we can find more opportunities for connection,” he said.
Dr Claire Green, CEO of The Hearing House, said the event showcased the transformative power of communication at all life stages.
— Dr Claire Green, CEO, The Hearing HouseThe Power of Connection is about more than just technology—it’s about people. It’s about connected and specialised care, and inclusive approaches that empower people to live full and connected lives.
About First Voice
First Voice includes member centres and affiliates The Hearing House, NextSense, The Shepherd Centre, Hear and Say, TSH, and Can:Do4Kids, Auditory Verbal UK, and Carel du Toit from South Africa.
Photos: Courtesy of The Hearing House