Natasha Gallardo, the NFDHH chief exec (National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) who was diagnosed with hearing loss as a teenager. Photo: NFDHH / Brett Phibbs
A pilot programme launched by the National Foundation for the Deaf is hoping to understand the increase in hearing loss in New Zealand children. A study into students at Rutherford College in Auckland this year found 11.9 per cent had hearing loss that required a referral to a specialist. Kathryn talks to the Foundation's chief executive Natasha Gallardo about why so many children are affected and what could be done to help them. The NFDHH welcomes schools interested in being part of the five-year study to contact them on 0800 867 446 or 09 307 2922.
