The AB Community Mission
We empower individuals with hearing loss and their families to succeed on their hearing journey. By sharing our stories, we connect, reassure and strengthen our community.
We listen, support, and empower.
Meet our AB Community Mentors
AB Community is comprised of a dedicated team of cochlear implant recipients, their families, and caring professionals who volunteer to provide you and your loved ones with information, education, and support for choosing, getting, and living with cochlear implants.
If you are considering a cochlear implant, we recommend talking with someone who has experienced similar hearing difficulties and has gone on to receive a cochlear implant. Here are some insights into the cochlear implant journey from one of our mentors, Louisa H.
Here are some insights into the cochlear implant journey from one of our mentors, Louisa H.
One of our cochlear implant mentors is ready to reach out, share their experiences, and answer your questions. You may choose to email, phone, video call, or meet them in person- it’s up to you- this is your hearing journey!
Learn more about our AB Mentors' hearing solutions, favourite sounds post-implantation, and their hobbies below!
BILATERAL CI MENTORS
Bilateral: The use of cochlear implants in both ears.
STEVE D.
QLD, Australia
Favourite Sound and Hobbies
The voices of my wife, family, and grandchildren. I love spending time with them.
CATHY K.
NSW, Australia
BIMODAL CI MENTORS
Bimodal: The use of a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the opposite ear.
LOUISA H.
QLD, Australia
Favourite Sound and Hobbies
Voices of my lovely family and friends. I love to make bags and pouches with garment leather.
DEL V.
QLD, Australia
KELVIN O.
NSW, Australia
JOYCLYN T.
QLD, Australia
Favourite Sound and Hobbies
The birds chirping, the wind in the trees with the rain falling. I enjoy nature walks and love to read.
COLIN C.
NSW, Australia
Favourite Sound and Hobbies
The sound of my wife playing the piano and I am a specialist in pyrography.
JOHN F.
North QLD, Australia
Favourite Sound and Hobbies
Birds in our garden and Landcare is my passion by revegetating degraded areas.
LOGAN C.
North Island, NZ
Favourite Sound and Hobbies
Sounds that I didn’t even know I was missing! My favourite hobby is in native plant conservation.
Hear from our AB Community Mentors
Mentors can provide support to those who are looking for a solution to their hearing loss as well as supporting those who already have AB technology through their hearing journey.
Here’s a look at some of our AB Community mentors’ thoughts on their AB cochlear implant system, their hearing journey, and advice for those considering a cochlear implant.
KELVIN O.
KELVIN ON HIS AB COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEM
"My cochlear implant was done in early January 2018 with amazing results from the onset, thanks to the support from Advanced Bionics and my audiologist. I’m wearing an Advanced Bionics sound processor with a matching hearing aid in the opposite ear. They pair together beautifully and give me a hearing level unsurpassed in previous years."
JOYCLYN ON CHOOSING AB
"I did a lot of research as to which brand would be most suitable to me and with the guidance of my audiologist, I chose Advanced Bionics. Having an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant together with a Phonak Naída Link hearing aid in my right ear gave me the best option of surround sound, which I thought was absolutely fantastic."
joyclyn t.
STEVE D.
STEVE'S ADVICE FOR CI CANDIDATES
"It really is worthwhile to speak to someone who has been implanted. So if you feel that you’ve got questions, contact Advanced Bionics, and they can put you in contact with me or other mentors who can help you."
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