Objective; To create a talent pool of individuals with a lived experience of hearing conditions, reflecting the true human pathway from assessment to treatment and aftercare. As outlined in the ANZ HHC position statement; Ensure evidence-based tools and relevant training are available and accessible for consumers and health care professionals to guide assessment, referral, treatment, and care for adults with hearing loss across their lifespan.
ANZ HHC Lived Experience Subgroup
Members
Caitlin Barr, Soundfair
Sue Walters, CICADA NSW and Next Sense
Raelene Walker, Deafness Forum
Madison Bick, Dementia Australia
Gillian Woodhouse, Dementia Australia
Brendan Lonergan, Hearing Matters Australia
David Brady, Shepherd Centre
John Ross, CICADA Queensland
Chair John Ross
John Ross, President of CICADA Queensland and Soundfair ambassador, is a passionate advocate for hearing health and the transformative power of technology. As a cochlear implant recipient and former sound engineer, John offers a unique perspective, blending his professional expertise in pro audio with his personal experiences of hearing loss and rehabilitation.
John has published a book, Breeding a Deaf Generation—a thought-provoking exploration of the rising prevalence of hearing loss, the evolution of music reproduction, and the urgent need for awareness and change.
John continues to advocate for the growth and improvement of hearing loss standards of care across Australia, by sharing his personal journey and professional insights, he inspires hearing professionals to prioritise patient-centred care, bridging the gap between clinical expertise and lived experience.
https://www.mycochlearjourney.com
https://cicadaqld.org/committee-bios#d88e4b23-8a3b-41f1-8c1d-54ea6d312276
ANZ HHC Guidelines Working Group
- A Guidelines Working Group was formed in October 2023 as a volunteer subgroup of the ANZ HHC.
- Objective; Adapting Global Guidelines for ANZ context.
- Purpose: To review and adapt the Global Living Guidelines for the ANZ context as they relate to the areas of CI referral, CI evaluation, CI candidacy recommendation, and CI outcome evaluation.
Members
Jaime Leigh, Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
Holly Teagle, The Hearing House, University of Auckland
Mel Ferguson
Cathy Sucher, Perth Children’s Hospital, WA
Emma Scanlan, Hearing Australia
Colleen Psarros, Macquarie University, Cochlear
Nina Swiderski, Cochlear Implants SA (formally SACIC)
Katie Neal, The Shepherd Centre
Jane Brew, Next Sense
Eleanor McKendrick, Next Sense
Dayse Tavora-Vieira, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group
Claire Iseli, Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
Jafri Kuthubutheen, Fiona Stanley Hospital
Payal Mukherjee, ENT Care Sydney
Mike Bergin, Southern Cochlear Implant Program
Click the image below to access slides presented by Jaime Leigh at 2025 AudA entitled Development of ANZ Living Guidelines for CI v4.pptx
Please reach out to Duncan Meldrum at anzguidelines@adulthearing.com or 0436 442400 for more information on the Working Groups.