Pindrop

10/11/2025

Great turnout in Whangārei for our Cochlear Implant Seminar!

It was wonderful to connect with Northland cochlear implant users, whānau, and those interested in learning more about hearing implants at our seminar on Saturday.

Huge thanks to everyone who came along — and to our speakers, retired CI surgeon, Bill Baber, Simon Wilson from Cochlear, and Dani Cooper, CI user, and trainee Hearing Therapist with Your Way l Kia Roha for sharing their expertise and insights on hearing loss, technology, and life with a cochlear implant.
Events like these are all about connection, community, and practical learning — and we were thrilled to see so much engagement and kōrero in the room.

If you couldn’t make it, we’ll be sharing upcoming seminar dates soon.
To stay in the loop, make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter ➡️ https://www.pindrop.org.nz/contact-us

📍 Whangārei Central Library
📅 Saturday, 8 November
📸 Photos by Simon Wilson, Cochlear

06/11/2025

🎧 Tinnitus & Cochlear Implants: What You Need to Know
That ringing, buzzing, or humming sound? You’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone.
Join audiologist Duncan Hann as he shares practical tools for living with tinnitus.

🗓 Saturday 15 November
📍 The Hearing House, Auckland
🕘 10am – 12pm
👂 Everyone welcome — plenty of parking available!

➡️ Swipe through for a few tinnitus facts and tips 👇

05/11/2025

🎧 5 Myths About Cochlear Implants — Busted!

From “it’s brain surgery” to “they sound robotic,” there’s still a lot of confusion out there about cochlear implants. So let’s clear things up 👇

💡 They don’t cure deafness — they create another way to hear.
💡 It’s ear surgery, not brain surgery.
💡 120 adult implants are publicly funded each year in NZ.
💡 With time and rehab, the brain adjusts and sound becomes more natural.

If you’re curious, come along to our free seminar this Saturday in Whangārei to learn more👇

https://www.pindrop.org.nz/events/your-next-step-discover-more-about-cochlear-implants---whangarei

📍 Whangārei Library
🗓 Saturday 9 Nov | 10–12 pm
🎙 Bill Baber | Simon Wilson |

30/10/2025

🦻 Pindrop Foundation CI Monthly Update - https://mailchi.mp/9fafe85c7ef9/exciting-news-weve-launched-our-new-website-17444480

23/10/2025

🌍 Global Cochlear Implant Advocacy in Action – Brussels 2025

Our CEO, Lee Schoushkoff, recently represented the Pindrop Foundation and Northern Cochlear Implant Trust at the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA) Global Conference in Brussels.

Over 120 delegates from 32 countries came together — including 40 cochlear implant users — to share ideas and strengthen global advocacy for lifelong cochlear implant services.

Lee also presented Advocating for Adult Cochlear Implants, sharing how New Zealand’s consumer-driven approach has created real change by helping secure sustainable funding for adult cochlear implants.

A highlight was hearing from Professor Graeme Clark, pioneer of the cochlear implant, who said:

“It’s important to share the benefits of biomedical engineering and technology so more people can communicate effectively.”

It was a proud moment to be part of this global collaboration — showing that when consumer voices are empowered, real change happens.

📸 Check out a few moments from Brussels below!

22/10/2025

Curious about cochlear implants and what they could mean for you or someone you love? Come along to our free Whangārei seminar on Saturday 8 November. Hear retired ENT surgeon Bill Baber, a CI user, and Cochlear Ltd, then stick around for Q&A and morning tea.

Spaces are limited—RSVP below or email hellohearing@pindrop.org.nz
to save your seat. Please share with anyone who might benefit.

13/10/2025

Thinking about whether a cochlear implant could help you or someone you know?

Come along to a free information seminar in Whangārei on Saturday 8 November, 10am–12pm at the May Bain Room, Whangārei Library (5 Rust Ave).

Hear from Bill Baber (recently retired CI surgeon), Simon Wilson from Cochlear and others living with cochlear implants. Learn how they work, what to expect, and the support available through the Pindrop Foundation.

Everyone’s welcome — come for a chat and a cuppa.
https://www.pindrop.org.nz/events/your-next-step-discover-more-about-cochlear-implants---whangarei

09/10/2025

Latest Cochlear Implant News from the Pindrop Foundation - https://mailchi.mp/dd06b9cd4418/exciting-news-weve-launched-our-new-website-17443943

30/09/2025

How a cochlear implant works — in 30 seconds:

Sound → tiny mic → sound processor → transmitter coil → internal implant → electrode array → auditory nerve → brain.

It doesn’t amplify like a hearing aid or make hearing “back to normal.” It bypasses damaged inner‑ear cells to give access to sound.

Questions? Drop them below.

26/09/2025

Living with severe hearing loss can be isolating, but a cochlear implant can change all that. In the words of John, “This cochlear implant gave me something I threw out long ago- hope.”

18/09/2025

Thank you, Janet, for sharing your CI experience—and for telling us what inspired you to volunteer with the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was lovely to read that one of our Pindrop Cochlear Implant Seminars helped you decide to go ahead with a CI after hearing directly from our team, Bill Baber, retired CI surgeon, Simon from Cochlear, Ellen, CI rehabilitationist and a local CI recipient. Wonderful to see you now giving back with confidence. Big thanks to the National Foundation for Deaf & Hard of Hearing for publishing Janet’s story:

Janet is a volunteer for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation. Discover her inspiring journey from progressive hearing loss to life-changing cochlear implant surgery. She shares her challenges, recovery, and hope for others living with hearing loss.