Help Katherine Hear: Support Her Cochlear Implant Journey

Hi, I’m Katherine. I’ve lived with hearing loss and chronic ear issues all my life. I was born with abscesses in both ears and first fitted with hearing aids at age 16. Around 20, I underwent surgery for glue ear, but it wasn’t successful long term. My hearing has continued to decline over the years.

In July last year, after a trip to Mt Hutt, I experienced a sudden drop in hearing. It became urgent to undergo another surgery — left and right reinforcement tympanoplasty. I’m thankful it happened when it did, as my left ear (already operated on) was close to permanent damage.

Now, I’m taking the next step: pursuing a cochlear implant. Unfortunately, I was declined public funding for the initial assessment. The private assessment alone is $750. Additional costs include CT and MRI scans (partially covered by insurance, but still $250–$500 out of pocket), specialist consultations, and — if eligible — the cochlear implant itself, plus ongoing costs like sound processor upgrades every 7–8 years and a bi-modal hearing aid (around $8000).

Even a small donation helps — whether it’s $10 or $100. Any extra funds will support ongoing audiology care, equipment upgrades, and a possible move to Australia for further specialist support. If you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world.

Thank you for reading and supporting me in my journey toward better hearing. As I begin to struggle more in the hearing world, I’m also embracing sign language and Deaf community involvement.