Preview Connect with another cochlear implant recipient or parent who can assist you in navigating the process of choosing and living with cochlear implants. Select one or more mentors who you feel might best understand your own experience and then start a conversation with them.

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Matt M.

Little Rock, AR
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  • Father of 3 girls
  • 2 Daughters with Bilateral Cochlear Implants
  • The Girls Love Music!

Implanted Age: Young School Age
Hearing Loss: Rapidly Progressive
Implanted: Both Ears

I am the dad of three girls, two of which have bilateral CIs. I'm amazed every day at how well they can hear now and how well they do in school.
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Cindy R.

Sparks, NV
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  • Son Simultaneous Bilateral
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Son Loves School and Music

Implanted Age: Infant/Young Toddler
Hearing Loss: Since Birth
Implanted: Both Ears

Carson, now 4 ½, loves his implants and he is developing into a very independent and confident young boy.
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Jim A.

Leawood, KS
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  • Sequential Bilateral
  • "Techie" Person
  • Professional Career

Implanted Age: Middle-aged Adult
Hearing Loss: Rapidly Progressive
Implanted: Both Ears

I have experienced many phases of hearing loss from sudden loss, hearing aids, single and then bilateral implantation.
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Evelyn G.

San Jose, CA
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  • Cell Phone User
  • Very Active in Community
  • Sequential Bilateral

Implanted Age: Older Adult
Hearing Loss: Slowly Progressive
Implanted: Both Ears

I got my two CI’s and I am not shy anymore. I love being with people and each day is pure joy.
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Mike R.

Ashburn, VA
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  • Father of 3
  • Brass Musician
  • Sequential Bilateral

Implanted Age: Young Adult
Hearing Loss: Slowly Progressive
Implanted: Both Ears

Hearing bilaterally has increased my self confidence and brought unimaginable joy to my life and professional career.
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Sheila A.

Deland, FL
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  • Teacher
  • Traveler
  • Sequential Bilateral

Implanted Age: Older Adult
Hearing Loss: Slowly Progressive
Implanted: Both Ears

I am profoundly grateful to rejoin the hearing world socially and professionally through my 2 cochlear implants.
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Melissa R.

Oneida , TN
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  • Mother of 12 yr old Sequential Bilateral Recipient
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Child loves sports and music

Implanted Age: Toddler/Preschooler
Hearing Loss: Since Birth
Implanted: Both Ears

Thanks to my daughter's cochlear implants, she enjoys sports and loves music just like other kids her age!
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Natasha M.

Calgary, AB
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  • Daughter Bilateral Recipient
  • Engineering Professional
  • Child with Usher's Syndrome Type I

Implanted Age: Young School Age
Hearing Loss: Since Birth
Implanted: Both Ears

My daughter's bilateral implants allow her to hear, sing and participate fully in life.
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Lisa G.

Pittsburgh, PA
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  • Mother of 2
  • Freelance Journalist
  • Genetic Hearing Loss

Implanted Age: Young Adult
Hearing Loss: Since Birth
Implanted: Left Ear

After growing up profoundly deaf and then becoming a mother, my life was enhanced when I got my implant.
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Sam S.

Williamsville, NY
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  • Early onset hearing loss
  • Active runner and athlete
  • Bilateral Recipient

Implanted Age: Middle-aged Adult
Hearing Loss: Slowly Progressive
Implanted: Both Ears

After wearing hearing aids all my life, I became a bilateral CI user and can now engage in conversations without the fear of not being able to follow along.
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