The 'Taringa Whakarongo' [TW] project presents the first narratives on hearing loss and hearing healthcare [HHC] among kaumātua and whānau. The purpose behind the project was to explore kaumātua and their whānau lived experiences of hearing loss and HHC. Hearing health care professionals' and Māori health professionals' perspectives were also examined. Through a Kaupapa Māori lens and reflexive thematic analysis, the sense of hearing was identified as a taonga among kaumātua. However, colonisation, societal stigma of hearing loss, and barriers to accessing whānau-centred HHC and hearing technology continue to impact kaumātua with hearing difficulties and their whānau. Hard-of-hearing kaumātua can thrive in their communities when they and their whānau are supported. Highlighted in this article are key recommendations for the Crown and health sector based on research partner narratives including valuing and prioritising whānau-centered care
supporting whakawhanaungatanga, Māori HHC leadership and culturally safe care
continuing Kaupapa Māori research endeavours and adopting an Indigenous rights-based approach to hearing health.