Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP)

Scientists in China have developed what is being described as the world's first bionic auditory neural interface – an innovative technology that could one day help move hearing restoration beyond simply detecting sound and towards better understanding of speech and auditory information. Unlike conventional cochlear implants, which rely on a functioning auditory nerve to send signals to the brain, this experimental technology aims to mimic some of the functions of the auditory nerve itself. Researchers hope it could eventually provide new possibilities for people with severe auditory nerve damage, where current hearing technologies may have limited benefit. While this technology is still in the research phase and has only been tested in animal models so far, and not yet available for clinical use, it highlights the exciting advances continuing to emerge in the fields of hearing science, neural repair, and bionic technology. https://lnkd.in/eAjRvNyn

We’re delighted to share that SCIP has once again been selected as a recipient of NZ Post’s Delivering for Good programme. 🎉 This generous support provides us with a year’s worth of free courier services, helping us continue to support cochlear implant recipients across the South Island and lower North Island. Many of the people we service live in remote and rural communities and rely on us to courier replacement parts, equipment and resources to keep them connected to sound. These courier costs quickly add up, so having this support from NZ Post means more of our funding can be directed towards delivering vital clinical services and rehabilitation support. We’re incredibly grateful to NZ Post for recognising the importance of community organisations and for helping us ensure that no matter where someone lives, they can continue to access the support they need on their hearing journey. Congratulations to all of this year’s Delivering for Good recipients 💙

Some of the world's most life-changing innovations begin with the simplest ideas. In 1977, Professor Graeme Clark was searching for a way to safely guide electrodes through the delicate spiral of the cochlea. While on a family holiday, inspiration struck in an unexpected place. As he examined a seashell and threaded a blade of grass through its spiral, he realised that a flexible electrode could follow the natural curves of the cochlea. That moment of insight became a crucial step in the development of the multi-channel cochlear implant – technology that has since transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. After years of perseverance and research, this simple observation helped make hearing restoration possible for so many. Watch Professor Clark share this remarkable story: https://lnkd.in/eZGc6KSg

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, SCIP helps children and adults with profound hearing loss access cochlear implant technology and the ongoing support they need to reconnect with the world around them. The impact reaches far beyond hearing itself. A cochlear implant can open the door to conversations, relationships, education, employment, and greater independence—helping people reconnect with family, friends, and their communities. If you're considering becoming a corporate sponsor, we'd love to hear from you. To find out more, please contact our Community Relationship Manager, Belinda van der Monde, at belinda.vandermonde@scip.co.nz.

Do you use the NZ Relay Service or communication access services? The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback to help shape the future of the NZ Relay Service from 2027 onwards. The NZ Relay Service is a government-funded service that helps people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or have a speech impairment communicate with others over the phone. It includes services such as text relay, captioned telephone calls, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) video interpreting. Whether you currently use the service or have ideas about what communication access should look like in the future, this is your opportunity to have your say. The consultation period has been extended and now closes at 7.00pm on Sunday, 20 July. Find out more and complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/eP-WVQ3V

As a registered charity, we're committed to making cochlear implant services as accessible as possible—but there is still significant unmet need in our community. Did you know? ➡️There are currently 60 adults waiting for a cochlear implant in SCIP's region. ➡️SCIP receives over 200 referrals annually. ➡️ Cochlear implants are not fully covered by health insurance. ➡️ The cost of a single cochlear implant is around $55,000. Through the generosity of others, we help enable profoundly deaf children and adults to access cochlear implant technology and return to a life of hearing. But we can’t do it alone. Every donation, partnership and shared story helps make a difference. So whether you've donated, partnered with us, or helped spread the word — thank you. Want to help even more people connect with sound? You can support us through business partnerships, personal donations, or by leaving a gift in your will. Learn more about how you can help: https://lnkd.in/gCe4YxB6 Thank you for being part of our community. #cochlearimplantcommunity #cochlearimplantjourney #cochlearimplantsnz

Following Lead Paediatric Habilitationist Joanne Lake and Paediatric Habilitationist Lydia Evans' recent trip to the 7th International Conference on Family-Centred Early Intervention (FCEI) in Austria, we've taken a closer look at the key ideas, conversations and insights they brought back to New Zealand. From the importance of supporting the whole family and empowering parents, to the latest research on hearing technology, language development and social-emotional wellbeing, the conference reinforced the value of family-centred care in helping deaf and hard of hearing children thrive. Head to our website to read more about the international connections Joanne and Lydia made, the research that stood out, and how these learnings will help shape our work with children and whānau here in Aotearoa. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eB2_3NxA #FCEIConference

Several of our SCIP audiologists recently attended the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) Conference at Te Pae in Christchurch, connecting with colleagues and sharing knowledge from across the audiology community. We were proud to have a presence as an exhibitor and to contribute to the programme with two presentations, highlighting the important work happening within the cochlear implant sector. Thank you to NZAS for a fantastic event and to everyone who stopped by our stand! #NZAS #NZASConference #Audiology #CochlearImplants

Last week, SCIP rehabilitationists Susan Kinley and Catherine Lavery travelled to Padua, Italy, to attend HEAL 2026 (Hearing Across the Lifespan), a biennial conference bringing together hearing care professionals, researchers and advocates from around the world. Over three days, delegates from 36 countries explored the latest advances in audiology and hearing care, with the conference theme: "New Knowledge is Sharing Knowledge." "We are grateful for the opportunity it's given us to travel to Italy and take on board all the learnings and different ways of looking at things that are fundamental to our roles at SCIP," says Catherine. "It's also been brilliant to mix with academics, audiologists and other hearing care professionals and advocates from all over the world." A huge thank you to the organisers of HEAL 2026 for creating such a stimulating and collaborative event. #Heal2026 #HearingAcrossTheLifespan

Our paediatric team has returned from the 7th International Conference on Family-Centred Early Intervention (FCEI) in Austria, bringing home new ideas, fresh perspectives and valuable international connections. SCIP's Joanne Lake (Lead Paediatric Habilitationist) and Lydia Evans (Paediatric Habilitationist) joined professionals, researchers, parents and Deaf advocates from around the world to explore the latest research and best practice in supporting deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. Alongside presenting two posters showcasing New Zealand's work, they attended sessions on topics including unilateral hearing loss, parent leadership, accessibility technology, social-emotional development and the future of early intervention. We're looking forward to sharing these learnings across our team. 💙 Photo 1: Joanne Lake, Willa Hand (Auckland Parents of Deaf Children (APODC) and Lydia Evans Photo 2: Joanne Lake and Lydia Evans #FCEI2026 #FCEI #SCIP