Tangaroa, hearing, and language - What's the connection?

If you are worried about the speech and language development of your tamaiti, then one of the first things a speech language therapist will ask you is: Has your tamaiti had a hearing test?

If you can’t hear speech sounds, then it makes it hard to learn how to talk. Tamariki need to hear sounds clearly before they can use them in their own kōrero. Good hearing helps tamariki learn language, connect with whānau, and enjoy learning.

Temporary hearing loss from ear infections and permanent hearing loss is more common in our tamariki Māori than other ethnicities. Even temporary hearing loss from ear infections or wax buildup can have an impact on communication development. We’re also less likely to get the support we need due to less access to testing and support and not having services from a te ao Māori word view. 

The earlier we pick up on hearing changes, the better we can support our tamariki their communication development. This is particularly important in the early years, especially from birth to around three years old. 

Tangaroa, language and hearing

Some of our pūrākau depict Tangaroa as the kaitiaki of the brain and an atua connected to waitai (seawater), toi whakairo (art of carving) and the acquisition of mātauranga Māori. Tangaroa’s domain presides over brain development in our tamariki, and language and hearing plays a huge role. 

In early life the brain is rapidly making connections as we learn language. These connections are fusing when we hear others speak and it's why we're better at learning language in the early years than at any other time in our life. We’re learning all about speech sounds, how to put words together and we’re learning that when we talk to others, it carries meaning. This process also shapes the brain architecture and impacts motivation, focus, problem solving and getting along with others. When our babies hear, see and feel people communicate, it literally shapes their brain and this has a big impact later in life in the way we connect with others and learn.

When our babies hear well, then its one way that supports this process in the domain of Tangaroa to keep developing and for our babies to acquire mātauranga. 

While our tamariki turi (deaf tamariki) are not learning language through hearing, they are going through the exact same process, but are learning language through sign language and other means. 

What can whānau do?

If you're worried about communication development, the first thing you'll want to do is make sure there has been a hearing test. The earlier we pick up on hearing changes, the more we can support tamariki to thrive with their communication. Trust your instincts if you notice changes. 

Early checks and support can make a big difference.

• Encourage whānau to get their newborn hearing screening (first month of life)

• Ask your GP for a hearing check referral.

• Ask GP to check your tamaiti’s ears, especially if they are having regular ear infections, even if they’ve passed a hearing test

• Access free Well Child / Tamariki Ora checks.

• Advocate at kura if you’re concerned.

• Call the Plunket Line

A vision for the future of hearing Māori

Suzanne Purdy is a Māori audiologist who supports many of us Māori speech language therapists in many ways, but especially when it comes to kaupapa Māori research. She was part of a research project that explored what Māori want when it comes to hearing support. Below is a quote from their research which encapsulates what I’d love to see for us in the future:

We need hearing services for our Māori whānau that “aligns with Te Ao Māori, including recognizing the relational, holistic, and intergenerational values that underpin Māori approaches to health. This includes utilizing the strength of whānau, prioritizing whakawhanaungatanga, and supporting mana motuhake by making explanations accessible.” 

References:

Choi, G., Purdy, S., Teagle, H., & Wood, A. (2025). Experiences and opinions of whānau of Māori infants with hearing loss: ‘seeing the whole, everything … instead of just the one side of it.’ Speech, Language and Hearing, 28(1).

Benjamin Hanara (2020). Master's thesis: Tangaroa Wai Noa, Tangaroa Wai Tapu, Tangaroa Wairoro.