“The boys’ hearing loss was picked up at newborn screening,” says mum Danielle Cooper. “We tried hearing aids for a period of time, but their access to sound was decreasing. 

“The boys were then implanted with their cochlear implants on consecutive days by Auckland-based ENT surgeon Colin Brown, who was awesome to work with.”

She says she received very encouraging advice from health professionals and other families before she and her husband made the decision to have the boys implanted, and it’s a step they’re very pleased they took – both for the boys and for them as a family.

“The transition has been nothing sort of incredible,” she says. “I’m in awe at how resilient our boys are and what fast learners they’ve become. They’ve both adjusted incredibly well, as have we. 

“We also absolutely love the cochlear implants and are so grateful to have taken this path.”

Danielle is also full of praise for the team at The Hearing House, who has supported the family on every part of their journey.

“The Hearing House has been such a home comfort,” she says. “I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such a great team who really put us first. 

“For me, the best part is how The Hearing House really tailors our experience as a family with twins to make the most of our time when we visit Auckland for our appointments.

“We’re so grateful to them and the amazing service they provide.”

The boys attend the local Tairua School and Danielle says that although they have similar interests, their individual personalities have started to develop.

“Ashe tends to stand back and learns by observing before taking on new challenges, while Jett learns by just doing,” says Danielle.  “They both love all things Pokemon and Hot Wheels -- they’re absolutely mad about it!”

“They also love quality time with their family and friends. They’re a great little team.”

Both the boys have aquakits which means they can hear when they go swimming or in the spa pool at home. 

Danielle says the boys are very excited about being involved with Loud Shirt Day this year, and plan to get their school involved in fundraising activities, including getting everyone to wear their brightest outfits for the day on Friday, 17 October.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to take part in since I first heard of it,” she says. “I think it's a great way to raise awareness, particularly for schoolchildren.”

Supporting a comprehensive specialist care model 

“Receiving a cochlear implant is just the beginning of a person’s journey to sound,” says Dr Claire Green, CEO of The Hearing House. “They’ll need ongoing, specialist support from The Hearing House, and funds raised through Loud Shirt Day will help ensure we can continue this service.” 

Programmes and services offered by The Hearing House include assessment, cochlear implant surgery, listening and spoken language therapy, audiology, outreach programmes for regional and remote patients, The Hearing House mobile hearing clinic and whānau support and counselling services. 

The Hearing House is also committed to clinical research and professional development.