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Voices and updates from our community
From surviving high school to what it's really like the first time your hearing aids are turned on, hearing real stories from others can offer comfort, insight, and a sense of connection.
But our community is more than just stories—stay informed with the latest news, events, and developments from the world of hearing health.
Browse a range of personal experiences and updates from Kiwis of all ages on their hearing journey—and the people working to make a difference.
Have a story to share or news to contribute? We’d love to hear from you. Contact our friendly team at enquiries@nfdhh.org.nz
Join the conversation. Stay connected.
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How Heartland Bank is leading the way in hearing inclusion
In a country where over 880,000 people live with hearing loss, Heartland Bank is taking bold steps to ensure that no one is left out of...
Briana Valgre
Jul 292 min read
Protecting tiny ears: Safe listening tips for early childhood centres
Noise levels in early childhood centres can affect tamariki’s hearing and learning. Our Safe Listening Tips blog shares easy strategies to reduce sound exposure, promote calm classrooms, and build lifelong healthy listening habits. Learn how your centre can create a safer sound environment—and explore how Sound Monkeys help kids stay in the green zone.
Briana Valgre
Jul 22 min read
Luke's story: Discovery of hearing loss through the school programme
When 14-year-old Luke took part in a school hearing check, he never expected life-changing news. Discover how a simple screening revealed a hidden hearing loss—and why his mum believes every Kiwi child deserves this chance.
Briana Valgre
May 193 min read
Why it's time to take teen hearing loss seriously - and what can be done about it
Hearing loss among teens is rising in New Zealand and globally—yet many are unaware of the risks. Our Make Listening Safe programme reveals that 42% of Kiwi students report unsafe listening habits. It's time to take action. Discover why schools must prioritise hearing screenings and education now to prevent irreversible damage.
Briana Valgre
May 193 min read
Share your story: Regan
Regan and his family call Te Atutū Peninsula, in West Auckland, home. He and his wife are the proud parents of two, a 13-year-old and a...
nicolekeenan3
Oct 12, 20238 min read
Sip, paint and sign.
NFDHH chatted with Rachel Kuhl, Studio Manager of Pinot & Picasso, Christchurch, about their sip and paint sessions and their enthusiasm...
nicolekeenan3
Oct 6, 20232 min read
Share your story: Alex
NFDHH sat down with Alex, an adventurous 30-year-old who was diagnosed with Sensorineural Hearing Loss at age 20. In this inspiring...
nicolekeenan3
Sep 21, 20236 min read
This September, we're supporting Mental Health Awareness Week! (18th - 24th).
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme is "Five Ways, Five Days." The theme underscores the need to put in place proven tools to...
nicolekeenan3
Sep 15, 20233 min read
Share Your Story: Summer & Harrison
This story is from one of our community members in the UK, who wanted to share her personal experience with our community as a hearing...
natashagallardo1
Jun 14, 20233 min read
Share Your Story: Hannah
Hannah, is a bubbly and enthusiastic early childhood teacher who recently moved from Levin to Australia. Now 32 years old, Hannah has had...
natashagallardo1
May 18, 20235 min read
Share Your Story: Nick
Nick recently qualified as an Audiologist and is about to start his career at The Hearing House in Auckland. Nick's career journey began...
nicolekeenan3
Apr 19, 20234 min read
Share Your Story: Emilia
Emilia is a chatty 22-year-old who at the time of writing is waitressing at her local café, flatting with friends and has just finished...
natashagallardo1
Apr 4, 20235 min read
Hope Cotton, Youth Disrupter and Advocate, speaking at Listen Up 2023
This World Hearing Day, March 3rd, join us at Listen Up Conference 2023, where you’ll hear from keynote speaker Hope Cotton, Youth...
natashagallardo1
Feb 9, 20232 min read
Lights, Cameras…and Hearing Aids
We sit down with Lily McManus, of The Bachelor NZ, Bachelor Winter Games, Celebrity Treasure Island, and The Bachelorette NZ, to talk...
natashagallardo1
Nov 28, 20225 min read
Talking Hearing Awareness Month
We sit down with Lily McManus, our Youth Advocate, to talk about the importance of raising awareness for the experiences of hearing loss...
natashagallardo1
Nov 11, 20223 min read
NZSL Interpreted Theatre Inspiring Young Minds
For over three decades now, the Tim Bray Theatre Company (TBTC) has been inspiring young minds through the magical experience of live...
natashagallardo1
Nov 10, 20225 min read
Spotlight on Sign Language
Auckland Theatre Company has long been a beacon of quality theatre and a highlight for theatre goers in Tāmaki Makaurau. We sat down with...
natashagallardo1
Sep 9, 20225 min read
Community, Coffee & Connection
The Otago Deaf Society are about creating a supportive space for Dunedin’s Deaf community to connect and be themselves. We talk to...
natashagallardo1
Aug 24, 20223 min read
Share your story: Jackson
19-year-old Jackson was the recipient of our Noonan Bequest scholarship in 2021. We recently caught up with him to find out how his study...
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Jul 20, 20225 min read
Share your story: Renee
Day-to-day life can be exhausting for busy Kaitaia woman Renee. She works up to 50 hours a week, and is constantly on high alert, trying...
natashagallardo1
Apr 20, 20223 min read
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