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About Us

At the core of our mission is the belief that communication is essential to nurturing relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. Recognizing this, we are dedicated to ensuring adults with significant hearing loss have access to the transformative technology of cochlear implants.

About Us

What We Do

Our services are not just about providing information; they are about empowering you. We offer detailed information on the cochlear implant process, personal stories from cochlear implant users, professional advice, and an active community support network. We host workshops, seminars, and events designed to educate and unite users of cochlear implants and their families, giving you the knowledge and support you need to take control of your hearing.

Our Team

Meet Our Trustees

See who’s behind the scenes.

Peter Aitken
Chair of Trustees
Peter is passionate about breaking down barriers many New Zealanders face in attaining a full and engaging life and this is the primary reason he joined the Pindrop Foundation.
Lee Schoushkoff
Chief Executive and Trustee
Lee has committed much of his professional career to growing sustainable and effective cause-related organisations.
Bill Baber
Trustee
Bill is an ear, nose and throat surgeon with a special interest in ear surgery. Along with Ron Goodey, Bill played and integral part in the establishment of New Zealand’s first Cochlear Implant programme.
Paul Dyson
Trustee
Paul Dyson has spent over 25 years working in the medical device industry and brings to the board a long-held commitment to improving the lives of others through the benefits of advanced technologies.
Ann Cooper-Smith
Trustee
Ann Cooper-Smith has personal experience of a severe hearing disability, having lost her hearing as a teenager. Ann received a cochlear implant in 1996. She is the director of Q2 Ltd, Chartered Accountants and Business Strategists, based in Auckland.
Michel Neeff
Trustee
Michel Neeff is a FRACS, MD Neurotologist/Skull Base Surgeon and Hearing Implant Surgeon, based in Auckland.
Chloe Allen
Trustee
Chloe has seen first-hand how life-changing cochlear implants are for people with severe to profound hearing loss. Her husband has profound hearing loss (congenital) and has bilateral cochlear implants. It's why she became an audiologist.
Dr. Patrick G Tuohy
Trustee
Dr. Tuohy is a retired paediatrician with over 30 years of experience as a consultant paediatrician, including 20 years in the public service.
About Us

Our Story


Established in 2006, the Pindrop Foundation is committed to ensuring that everyone in New Zealand can experience good hearing.

We raise awareness about cochlear implant technology, offer peer-to-peer support, and carry out educational and research activities.

Our goal is to provide support and advocate for those affected by significant hearing loss and ensure their access to this life-changing technology.

A cochlear implant restores more than just sound; it restores quality of life.

The Pindrop Foundation provides awareness, education, information, advocacy, and support for adults with significant hearing loss who are considering or using cochlear implants.

As founding members of the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (www.ciicanet.org) we are part of the global effort to expand cochlear implant access for adults who can benefit from this transformative technology.

Cochlear Implant Programmes

Learn more about the Cochlear Implant Programmes in New Zealand.

If you are north of Taupo

Northern Cochlear Implant Programme

The Northern Cochlear Implant Programme, NCIP (governed by the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust, NCIT), offers cochlear implant services north of Taupo, including assessments, surgeries, and rehabilitation through service contracts with The Hearing House, Southern Cross Hospitals, and Cochlear Ltd.

The Northern Cochlear Implant Programme works with

In addition to supplying cochlear implant (CI) devices in New Zealand, Cochlear offers a comprehensive range of support products and resources. These include detailed information on the management of your Cochlear Implant, troubleshooting guides, and practical tips to enhance everyday use.

Visit Website

The Hearing House, a provider of the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme works with adults and children who need or have a cochlear implant. Audiologists and rehabilitationists aim to help adults who have a significant hearing loss participate fully in life again.

Visit Website

Gillies Hospital, part of the Southern Cross network in New Zealand, is the designated surgical center for the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme. Located in Epsom, Auckland, it specialises in cochlear implant surgeries. For more details, visit their website below.

Visit Website
If you are south of Taupo

Southern Cochlear Implant Programme

Scip.co.nz provides cochlear implant services for clients living south of Taupo. The team is dedicated to helping people with hearing loss who gain minimal or no benefit from conventional hearing aids through the use of cochlear implants.

Our Supporters

A BIG THANKS TO OUR KIND Supporters

cochlearOur supporters and donors play a huge part in us being able to increase the awareness, understanding and benefits of Cochlear implants. Their support and generosity also helps ushelp increase the number of Cochlear implants per year. Without their support, it would have been near impossible for us to have achieved our goals of bringing sound to silence for hundreds of New Zealanders already and many more to come.

FAQ

Still have questions

What batteries does a CI use?

Behind-the-ear processors use small, high-powered, zinc-air-style batteries similar to those used in hearing aids. Your cochlear implant team will be able to suggest the best battery type for your processor.

What do I do if I lose my CI?

Make sure to list your cochlear implant processor under your contents insurance so you are covered for such incidents as a loss or breakage. There are manufacturer warranties in place for limited times for faults, but not loss losses or for breaks.

How long do the batteries last?

Batteries for the behind-the-ear model of sound processor typically last several days, whilst the rechargeable batteries used in the bodyworn processor normally last for one day. Generally if you are in noisy environments your sound processor works harder and therefore requires more battery power.

Do I have to limit my sports activity? What about scuba diving and swimming?

For swimming, you will need to remove the external component when you swim, much like you would have to remove a hearing aid. The internal part of the cochlear implant is not affected by water. However, you can swim with your processor on if you use the Aqua Kit Accessory in any water-based activity to a depth of 4 metres. It is a single-use plastic enclosure that completely seals in your processing unit, cable, and coil. It is designed for use with rechargeable batteries only. You can use the  in saltwater, a soapy bath/shower, chlorinated pools—anything that is safe for skin contact.

For scuba divers, the internal implant is validated to withstand pressure at a depth of 25 metres (82 feet) underwater, but use of the Aqua Accessory is not recommended for Scuba diving as depths may exceed 4 metres. It is recommended that you check with your surgeon or clinician before participating in a dive, because there may be other medical conditions that you will need to consider.

For contact sports,scuba you should wear a helmet to protect your equipment. Boxing and other aggressive sports are discouraged.

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