Meet Anne and her delightful Hearing Assistance helper CeCe!
Anne is passionate about learning, travelling, and giving back to her community. Living with multiple disabilities, she spends time volunteering with her local women’s shed and enjoys connecting with others whenever she can. Today, she is rarely seen without her loyal Hearing Assistance Dog, CeCe, by her side.
Anne was born with sensorineural deafness in both ears. Her right ear had no measurable hearing from birth, while her left ear had some hearing that gradually deteriorated over time despite the use of hearing aids. Today, Anne uses cochlear implants in both ears, but living with hearing loss still presents daily challenges—particularly in noisy environments or situations with sensory overload.
Anne communicates using Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as well as spoken and written English, but before CeCe came into her life, everyday situations could feel isolating.
“Before receiving CeCe, life was challenging. I often kept to myself and I would miss phone calls or visitors at the door, and I felt isolated. At times I felt like I was a burden to my family and friends.”
Anne first learned about Hearing Assistance Dogs through a close friend who already was a Hearing Assistance Dog recipient. After hearing about the benefits, she knew it could be life-changing. However, because of existing pets and other circumstances at the time, Anne initially placed her name on the waitlist until the timing was right.
“I’m so thankful my friend explained the benefits, If my circumstances had allowed it, I would have applied that very same day.”
When CeCe finally joined Anne’s life, everything began to change.
“For me, having a Hearing Assistance Dog means I have gained so many things: independence, confidence, support, and a weight lifted from my shoulders that I hadn’t even realised I was carrying until CeCe and I began our journey together.”
CeCe now plays an essential role in Anne’s day-to-day life. She alerts Anne to important sounds in both home and work environments, whether it’s a knock at the door, a phone call, or other important alerts. CeCe also accompanies Anne out in the community, helping her confidently navigate public spaces like shopping centres and public transport.
Anne volunteers at her local women’s shed, where CeCe is a well-loved member of the community.
“CeCe alerts me to important sounds and provides a calming presence,” Anne says. “When she’s out in public, she wears her uniform while on duty. People often ask questions about her, and because of CeCe I feel much more confident talking to people. I interact with others more often now.”
While CeCe takes her work seriously, she also has a very playful personality.
“CeCe is a young dog with plenty of energy. When she gets the zoomies during playtime, she runs so fast she looks like a motorbike rider leaning into the corners – almost flying sideways! She also has ‘pancake’ moments where she tries to disappear by flattening herself completely on the floor.”
Even when she’s working, CeCe’s curiosity shines through.
“If there’s a new sound she hasn’t heard before, she very cutely tilts her head and seems to say, ‘Mum, what on earth is that sound? Do I need to respond?’ In those moments, I’m actually the one alerting CeCe!”
In their spare time, Anne and CeCe enjoy simple pleasures together, like playing with tennis balls and a few favourite plush toys.
Looking back, Anne says CeCe has transformed not only her own life, but also the lives of those around her.
“CeCe has changed my life—and she’s also changed the lives of my family, friends, and the wonderful women at the women’s shed. Everyone loves CeCe and supports both of us.”
Anne is quick to recognise the many people who made this partnership possible.
“My thanks go to my friend who first explained the benefits of a hearing assistance dog, the Lions training centre, and everyone involved in CeCe’s training and accreditation. I’m also incredibly grateful to my family, friends, and the women’s shed community for supporting CeCe and I as we built this amazing partnership.”
Today, Anne and CeCe continue to build their life together—demonstrating the powerful impact that a Hearing Assistance Dog can have on independence, connection, and confidence.
Thank you to Anne and Cece for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day.
