History-making moment deaf identical twins hear sound for the first time

When Emily and Ewan Porter welcomed their twin sons in July 2025, they had no way of knowing the heartache that lay ahead of them. After learning their twins had a genetic condition that left them profoundly deaf, they underwent what is believed to be an Australian first: both boys underwent bilateral cochlear implant surgery on the same day.

Now, three months on, the family is celebrating as the twins explore the world after receiving the gift of sound.

Watch the video above.

The Porters, from Moss Vale in the NSW Southern Highlands, were already parents to son Tommy, now three, when they welcomed identical twins Arthur (Artie) and Jack on July 21, 2025.

The twins, who were born prematurely, were found to be deaf as a result of a genetic condition. The Porters − dad Ewan Porter is a former Australian professional golfer turned golf commentator − had no family history of the condition caused by a mutation of the Connexin 26 protein.

“When Artie and Jack were diagnosed at birth, we were overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future would hold,” Emily Porter said.

Read more

How one Instagram video changed my whole approach to motherhood

In April this year, the boys underwent history-making surgery at Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Randwick, where they were fitted with bilateral (both ears) cochlear implants.

More history was made when their implants were switched on simultaneously, allowing them to hear for the very first time during a visit to The Shepherd Centre in Wollongong 15 days later.

The video begins with the audiologist activating the implants for the first time before giving the thumbs up their mum, who is watching from nearby.

At first, those in the room are quiet, to give the babies a chance to hear noises in the room before she speaks to them for the first time.

One of the twins, Jack, then lets out a little cry − which is perfectly normal as they adjust to hearing sound for the first time.

The Porters are now sharing their story, and videos of the moment, to thank The Shepherd Centre, which has been transforming the lives of deaf children for more than 50 years.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Shepherd Centre, the clinicians, our family and friends, and everyone who helped us along the way,” Emily said.

“The support we have received has helped us navigate every stage of this unique journey so far and we know it gives our boys the best possible start in life.”

They are also celebrating last month’s announcement that the NSW Government would provide $20.4 million over four years towards specialist support for children with cochlear implants. 

“Knowing families will now have fully funded access to that same support means the world to us,” Emily said.

Until now, the out-of-pocket cost of maintaining cochlear implants was about $7000 per child per year in NSW and the ACT, but free in other states. 

While a cochlear implant allows the recipient to hear sound, often for the first time, children who receive them continue to need specialist therapy and support to hear, speak and thrive. 

Read more

It ‘takes a village’ to raise a child – and new mums are finding it in an unlikely place

Data shows it can cost up to $580,000 to support deaf children who miss out on early invention, including additional health, education and other support needs. 

The NSW Government investment, which was announced in last month’s state budget, brings NSW in line with every other Australian state and  territory.

The Shepherd Centre’s chief executive Dr Aleisha Davis described the funding boost as “a life-changing moment for deaf children and their families accessing cochlear implant support services”. 

“Cochlear implants are only one part of the journey,” she said. 

“Children need ongoing specialist care before and after surgery to learn to interpret sound, develop communication skills and build confidence with this technology.

“This funding ensures more families can access that support and focus on their child’s future.”

Ewan Porter took to Instagram late last month to thank The Shepherd Centre and the surgeon who performed the surgery.

“Whilst there have been some challenges along the way, we have two beautiful and happy little boys who share a zest for life,” he said.

“The gift of hearing is truly a miracle and the beginning of the next chapter for Jack and Artie.

“The big news from this is @nswgov pledging $20m to the Shepherd Centre to fund future surgeries and therapy, which is going to help change so many lives for the better.”