Pioneer Cochlear Implantee, Shirley yesterday celebrated 25 years since she received her implant.

As someone who went deaf there were many sounds I could no longer hear, but there are also many that no longer exist. What is quite astounding is there are probably two generations who have never even heard these sounds.

For those of us who go deaf using a phone is just about impossible. Technology has bridged the gap but live conversations still pose a challenge. This article details my first impressions of a captioned telephone and service.

The Disability Act is to eliminate discrimination on the grounds if disability. What is happening with discrimination against the hearing impaired?

The benefits and hidden dangers. So much new technology – it’s really quite exciting – but along with the benefits there is also a hidden danger.

Robyn was deaf from an early age but she became one of the first in NZ to have a Cochlear Implant. When it failed after 15 years she had no hesitation in being remplanted. But when that implant also failed - what was she to do? This is her story.

Hearing is such a vital part of our culture and if you can’t hear you miss out on so much. Almost all entertainment requires hearing.

Most of us have been subjected to the insensitivity of others because we didn’t hear them speak to us. But what if it is your family?

When someone like me goes slowly deaf (over about 15 years) we slowly adapt and make changes that help us to interpret the hearing world.

My personal journey was hard. Being positive was not always easy but I discovered it was up to me - I had to keep hope alive that things could improve. This article looks at some of the ways I did it.