NextSense is a not-for-profit and registered NDIS provider that provides dedicated, innovative, and customised services aimed at breaking down barriers for children, adults and families of people with hearing loss.
NextSense provides vital support for children and adults, more cochlear implants than any other service in Australia, and is a world leader for research, technology and professional education in our field.
We support people who are deaf or hard of hearing in many ways through a number of services:
NextSense Cochlear Implant Services
We deliver Australia’s largest and most comprehensive cochlear implant program, giving you access to leading surgeons, an expert team of health professionals, and the latest technologies, often without out-of-pockets costs. Cochlear implants can be a suitable option for newborns through to those aged ninety and older, who have profound hearing loss.
Early Intervention—Hearing
Our program promotes the development of listening, language, communication and social skills, in spoken language, to best meet your child’s and your family’s needs. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, it’s important to provide tailored opportunities for early learning. We give children quality support early in life to set the foundation for higher learning and critical life skills. And we make sure they are happy and confident to interact with others, play, and explore the world.
NextSense Playgroups
Our playgroups enable parents and children with hearing loss to come together with other families to learn, laugh and play in a supportive environment.
Paediatric Audiology
NextSense offers hearing assessments at three of our sites for children from three weeks of age, including those with special needs. Hearing assessments are delivered by experienced audiologists in a child-friendly environment.
Kindergarten
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing can enrol at our community Kindergarten which offers specialist support for children with hearing loss in a mainstream environment with community children. Our expert teachers foster language, emotional and social development to enhance self-esteem and independence.
School Services
Our school services are designed to ensure your child has access to our high-quality curriculum in an inclusive environment. We support your child with listening and spoken language and access to information, technology and learning aids to ensure your child can achieve their goals either at one of our specialist schools or in mainstream schools.
The Victorian Deaf Education Network offers membership to educational professionals who lead programs that specialise in teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.
Contact the Chair of VDEN