Zoe was born profoundly deaf in both ears, however this was before universal newborn hearing screening was introduced.
“My parents didn’t know I was deaf until I was about 14 months old,” Zoe said.
“I was sitting next to an open door, and someone slammed it shut – my parents realised I didn’t flinch. They thought it was concerning, so they took me to the doctors and that’s how everybody found out,” she said.
“My mother was upset when she first heard the news, whereas my dad was concerned but calm.”
The family heard about Hear and Say via media-profile, Wally Lewis, and have been coming to Hear and Say’s Gold Coast centre ever since.
“It was through rugby league legend, Wally Lewis that my parents found out about Hear and Say, as we learnt that Wally’s daughter, Jamie-Lee was also profoundly deaf in both ears,” Zoe said.
Zoe reflected on her hearing journey, and the difference Hear and Say has made to her life.
“I think it’s wild, seeing how far hearing technology has come. My family has embraced me for who I am, and being deaf doesn’t make me any different – in fact, a lot of people who don’t personally know me never pick up on it,” Zoe said.
“Hear and Say has made a huge difference to my life. It’s hard to imagine what my life could have been without the support of the staff and the community,” she said.
“I would not have been able to thrive in this world as I am now. I would not have found my passion for film if I wasn’t able to listen to the staggering emotion in the stories I watch. Even though I have moments of craving peace in total silence, hearing my family and friends’ voices is bliss.
“I am eternally grateful for their care and knowledge in my years of growing up. Getting implanted at a young age was the best decision my parents have ever made.
“Upkeep with my hearing takes a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort.”
