We really wanted to give her all the opportunities we could, so that she could function as normally as possible.
Table of Contents
- A Journey to Discover Cochlear Implants for Infants
- Choosing Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implants for Children for Lifelong Opportunities
- Rehabilitation and Growth with Cochlear Implants for Children
- Living Life to the Fullest: Cochlear Implants for Children Make it Possible
- Why Cochlear Implants for Children Are Worth Considering
How Liv’s Life Changed with AB Cochlear Implants for Children
Monday, April 21, 2025
In 2014, Liv came into the world. The firstborn, her parents were excited to go from two family members to three. But Liv’s parents quickly discovered that their baby did not respond to sound like other children. She was deaf.
Today, 11 years later, Liv lives a completely normal life filled with sports, friends, and school—thanks to her Advanced Bionics cochlear implants for children. This is her story.
A Journey to Discover Cochlear Implants for Infants
Liv's parents discovered that their newborn baby did not react when they clattered plates, pots, and cutlery in the kitchen. Later, a hearing screening showed that Liv could not hear. She was deaf in both ears due to genetics.
After the diagnosis, Liv was fitted with hearing aids. But because Liv had no hearing at all, and was completely deaf, the option of cochlear implants for children was presented.
Liv's parents, Lea (a nurse) and David (a doctor), were initially unfamiliar with cochlear implants for infants but quickly understood the transformative potential of this technology.
“We didn't know anything about CI, in fact, we had no idea that such technology existed,” says Lea. “But we looked at each other and knew without a doubt that this was what Liv needed. We really wanted to give her all the opportunities we could, so that she could function as normally as possible.”
Choosing Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implants for Children for Lifelong Opportunities
Today, Liv's parents hardly notice that Liv hears differently from other children, they say.
“Of course, there are always practical aspects to consider—like remembering to charge the batteries—but Liv is great at managing that herself,” Lea adds.
Liv's parents chose for her to have a cochlear implant (CI) from Advanced Bionics because the brand is well-known for their good service, which was important to them. It was also crucial to that the hearing aid company, Phonak, is a sister brand to Advanced Bionics, and they work closely together on developing new technology. Lastly, Liv's parents considered that with her CIs, Liv could be part of their active lifestyle, including water and skiing sports.
Soon, she could learn all the sounds in the language and become familiar with the everyday sounds around her.
Rehabilitation and Growth with Cochlear Implants for Children
Liv received AB cochlear implants for both of her ears, and then the process of training her hearing began. Soon, she could learn all the sounds in the language and become familiar with the everyday sounds around her.
“We have worked closely with rehabilitation staff and educators to train Liv's hearing and language comprehension, and slowly but surely, Liv's language skills became age-appropriate compared to her peers,' says Lea.
Today, Liv is in 4th grade and enjoys going to school. She finds English and art particularly fun, but she actually likes everything... except for the morning assembly.
“I don't like the morning assembly where we all gather for singing. It's difficult to hear because there are so many of us, and everyone is singing and shouting,” says Liv, while sitting with her striped cat, Pippi, on her lap.
What age can a child get a cochlear implant?
Regulatory agencies approve cochlear implants as young as 12 months old. Your hearing healthcare team can help you decide when is the best time for your child to get a cochlear implant.
Living Life to the Fullest: Cochlear Implants for Children Make it Possible
Liv, like her parents, is active in everyday life and during vacations, which often go to places where they can either ski, swim, bodyboard, or kayak.
“I love swimming and have been selected for the talent team in my swimming club, so now I swim two hours a week and find it really fun,” Liv says enthusiastically, as she fetches her waterproof batteries, which she calls 'water sound,' and which she changes herself when it's time for swimming. “I especially love the 200m breaststroke. When I swim, my CIs are in the waterproof batteries that are attached to my swimsuit with clips, and then I can hear while I'm in the water.”
When Liv isn't swimming or at school, she often has playdates with her classmates, where they roller skate, cuddle with the cats, play Minecraft, or go for a walk in the neighborhood.
Why Cochlear Implants for Children Are Worth Considering
“We have never regretted the opportunities we've given Liv to hear – not for a second,” says Lea. “If we were to give parents who are choosing CI for their child a piece of advice, it would definitely be: Do it as soon as possible. We can see that Liv functions like all the other children at school, and when we think about the future, we think of all the opportunities we've given her."
Note: The views expressed in this post are those of the author. Each person's situation is unique so your experience may not be the same. Talk to your hearing care provider about whether a cochlear implant is right for you.
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