Life as a Cochlear Implant Recipient
Are you considering a cochlear implant for yourself or a loved one? Have you asked yourself any of the questions below? You’re not alone.
Can I swim with
a cochlear implant?
When vacationing at the beach, we usually rent jet skis. Before my implant, I had to ride with someone else because I had to take my hearing aids out. Now that I can use WaterWear, I’m able to get one for myself. I’ve had a blast gaining my independence back in the water! I am also able to talk with people when I’m in the water, which makes playing with my grandkids so much more fun.
Mary W., unilateral CI recipient
Will a cochlear implant help me enjoy music again?
As a parent, when you hear that your son or daughter has hearing loss, you go through this grieving process for things that you think they won’t be able to accomplish or enjoy. For example, music. But in fact, my son has headphones on every day, listening to music and enjoying it. Music is important in my life and now it’s important in his life. It’s funny that I grieved over something I didn’t have to grieve about.
He’s living life with no limits.
Mike B., MED-EL dad since 2000
How old is
too old?
My life changed when I was bilaterally implanted at age 72. Through my implants I have received a priceless gift: a remarkable “second chance” as a grandparent. I have three grandchildren, and I struggled beyond measure to communicate with the two older ones when they were growing up. However, I received my first implant a week after my third grandchild’s first birthday and have been able to communicate successfully with her since she first started speaking.
Joan C., bilateral CI recipient
How young is
too young?
When Liam was first implanted, he was 3. He didn’t have any language at that point. And very quickly after he got his first implant not only did his language explode, but he himself was asking for a second implant. He recognized that he could hear much better with the implant as opposed to the hearing aid.
And so it was 4 years before we could make that happen. After his second implant surgery, he was still a little groggy and after feeling his bandages, said “Thanks, Mom.” I asked, “for what, Buddy?” and he said, “for letting me get this implant,” Just that he recognized how much it helped him and that he was so thankful for it and really wanted it himself. It just felt like a real miracle to me.
Colleen P., MED-EL mom since 2013
Connect with Someone Just Like You
Upcoming Events
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Weekly: After Activation Basics
27 March 2023, 13:00 - 14:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Learn How to Connect-AudioStream
27 March 2023, 19:30 - 20:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Weekly: After Activation Basics
03 April 2023, 13:00 - 14:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Learn How to Connect - SAMBA 2 GO & SAMBA 2 Remote app
03 April 2023, 13:00 - 14:00, (UTC -4:00)
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Aural Rehabilitation- What is it, why do I need it and how do I do it?
03 April 2023, 19:30 - 20:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Weekly: After Activation Basics
10 April 2023, 13:00 - 14:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Learn How to Connect-AudioKey
10 April 2023, 19:30 - 20:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Weekly: After Activation Basics
17 April 2023, 13:00 - 14:30, (UTC -4:00)
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BONEBRIDGE After Activation Basics
17 April 2023, 13:00 - 14:00, (UTC -4:00)
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Learn How to Connect-AudioLink
17 April 2023, 19:30 - 20:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Weekly: After Activation Basics
24 April 2023, 13:00 - 14:30, (UTC -4:00)
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Learn How to Connect-AudioStream
24 April 2023, 19:30 - 20:30, (UTC -4:00)