Global collaboration, local impact for Aotearoa

The Australia and New Zealand Hearing Health Collaborative (ANZ HHC) released the first New Zealand–adapted clinical guidelines for adult cochlear implantation and hearing care this month. Developed through a trans‑Tasman collaboration of more than 70 clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience, the guidelines localise the Global Living Guidelines to New Zealand’s health system, providing a national pathway from referral to long‑term follow‑up.

“This is the roadmap our system has needed,” said Michel Neeff, Clinical Director, Northern Cochlear Implant Adult Programme, ENT and cochlear implant surgeon. “It sets clear referral triggers so fewer adults fall through the cracks, defines candidacy and work‑up consistently across Te Whatu Ora regions, and embeds lifelong follow‑up. Adults who meet evidence‑based criteria should not wait years; these guidelines make that expectation explicit for clinicians and funders.”

“We see the human and economic cost of late access every day,” said Lee Schoushkoff, CEO of the Pindrop Foundation and board member of the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA).

 “This global‑to‑local guideline gives New Zealand a common standard across public and private services, a framework to reduce inequities—including for Māori, Pacific peoples and rural communities—and a way to track outcomes that matter here.”

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Why this matters for New Zealand‍

Hearing loss affects a significant proportion of adults. Devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants can improve communication, yet only a minority of those who could benefit currently use them.[1] The new guideline aims to accelerate timely identification, consistent referral, transparent candidacy decisions and coordinated rehabilitation, so adults are not left isolated by untreated hearing loss.

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What’s in the guideline‍

The consensus‑based recommendations address the full pathway for adults, including:

·      Referral and triage: triggers for primary care, audiology and ENT to refer promptly for cochlear implant assessment.
·      Assessment and candidacy: consistent protocols and criteria tailored to the NZ context.
·      Pre‑ and post‑operative care: surgical considerations, device programming and structured rehabilitation.
·      Long‑term follow‑up: recall schedules, device maintenance and troubleshooting.
·      Equity and access: practical actions to reduce regional and demographic variation.

·      Data and outcomes: measures to evaluate service performance and patient‑reported outcomes across NZ.

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Access the guideline‍

The full evidence and recommendations are available in MagicAPP, with supporting information and summaries at hhc.anz.adulthearing.com.

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Media enquiries (NZ)

Nic Russell - nic@pindrop.org.nz - 027 345 2514

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Learn more

About the ANZ Hearing Health Collaborative (ANZ HHC)

ANZ HHC is a trans‑Tasman network of clinicians, researchers and consumers working to reduce disparities in hearing care and support high‑quality, population‑level outcomes.‍

About the Pindrop Foundation

‍The Pindrop Foundation is a New Zealand charity supporting people with cochlear implants through advocacy, information and community programmes.‍

About the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA)

‍The Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA) is a global community and advocacy network focused on improving access to—and lifelong support for—cochlear implantation.