International Cochlear Implant Day is being celebrated today by industry leaders who had a significant funding boost.
Bruce Phillips from Pātea, a cochlear implant recipient Photo: Supplied
The northern and southern Cochlear Implant Programmes received a $28 million dollar injection to be rolled out over four years in last year's budget.
The Southern Cochlear Implant Program, which spans from Taupō to the bottom of the country, has tripled its number of approved implants since then.
Chief executive Neil Heslop said allocated patient numbers had jumped from 20 to 60 adult implants per year.
"We're able to say to people now, not everybody, but an increasing number of people, that yes, there is funding available and you will receive an implant," he said.
One recipient was moved when receiving the implant after being profoundly deaf for 10 years.
Pātea-based Bruce Phillips said when he stepped outside of the clinic, he was overwhelmed by the sounds of traffic and birdsong.
The retired greenkeeper described his difference in hearing as "bloody marvellous."
"When I was deaf I limited what I did socially as I could not understand what people were saying. While I accepted that, it was tough for my family and friends."
Since being able to hear again, he has reconnected with his children and grandchildren from afar, who had previously communicated with him solely via texts and emails.
Originally, Phillips said people's voices echoed and sounded like robots, but he said those tones were subsiding as his brain adjusted to hearing again.
Heslop said Phillips' story was typical of most adult clients, who were often overwhelmed when hearing through implants for the first time.
"It is like night and day."
"Some adults in the clinic will burst into tears with the final realisation of what it is they've been missing out on, the memories of what they haven't been able to hear, and the implications of what that will mean for their social life, their family life, their work life."
Heslop said not every eligible patient received an implant, but clients were being approved more than ever with the new funding.
