Meet Robyn Carter

Robyn became deaf as a child. Many years later in life, her condition ensured she couldn't hear her baby cry and she struggled for recognition at work. The 45-year-old, from Northcote, began losing her hearing as a child and by 31, it disappeared completely.

But her life changed dramatically in 1993 when she became one of the first people in New Zealand to undergo a cochlear implant. Suddenly, the silence was broken. Robyn could hear again. Within three years her life changed beyond recognition. She was promoted at work, her salary doubled, she became more confident, happy, and her social life flourished.

Silence isn't necessarily golden.

She wants more people to have access to the life-changing technology. 'As soon as it was switched on the difference was amazing, I could hear things I had never heard in my life before. Nobody should be deaf in this day and age. Nobody should suffer. This changes the lives of deaf people so dramatically. It's the best thing since sliced bread.'

'I love the sound of a felt-tip pen or pencil on paper. People take it for granted but I'd never heard it before. It gives you a greater appreciation of sound.'