Cochlear Implant Web Toolbox:

Inspired by Young People with CI's

We invite our members to join with others to expand public awareness about Cochlear Implants and outcomes in people of all ages.  The following graphics and other materials are designed for you to use in your own social media interfaces (Facebook, twitter, etc). Please refer people back to our website for further information.

Sahand, 17, California
I was born hard of hearing and later I became deaf. When I was 7 years old, my parents and I decided to get a cochlear implant. I attend a Charter HS and have many hearing friends. I love being able to teach my peers about being deaf and my implant.

Kyle, 18, North Carolina
My parents found out that I had profound hearing loss when I was 18 months old. I am a freshman at NC State University double majoring in Computer Science and Political Science. I am active in student government and leadership programs. I am very pleased to have cochlear implants so I can hear all sounds, including nature, around me.

I am unique in my school because I am the only deaf student. I enjoy all of my subjects and particularly math. I participate in drama and had parts in several plays including our spring production of “Sense and Sensibility.” I love spending time with friends and family. I am president of our youth group at my church. I am very fortunate to live in a time when there is such amazing technology that enables me to live life to its fullest.

My favorite high school subjects are math, science, and Spanish. I enjoy participating in the speech and debate team, writing for the school newspaper, and being on the Varsity Cross Country and Lacrosse teams. I also enjoy volunteering in my community. My cochlear implants have enriched my life in countless ways and afforded me many valuable experiences. I have written a book about growing up with cochlear implants and through my blog I communicate with a global audience.

Elena Laquatra, Pennsylvania
Although bacterial meningitis took 100% of my hearing and balance at age four, I decided I would never let my “disability” hold me back. I received a cochlear implant and attended a school for oral deaf children to regain my listening and spoken language skills. As a teen, I competed in pageants and most recently was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA 2016 and I competed for Miss USA. I have also danced my entire life and won numerous awards for choreography. After interning at local TV stations, I landed a job right out of college as a digital video reporter. I hope to become the first deaf anchor on a national network and I'm determined to achieve that goal!

Anna, 19, Texas
I was born profoundly deaf and got my first cochlear implant at 18 months. Since then, I’ve never stopped talking! I attend Wake Forest University, where I’m balancing all of the classes that I love with a job at the library and writing for the online publication, The Odyssey. I’m also extremely excited about my summer plans, which include spending a month in Israel with Wake’s biblical archaeology program! I could never have done any of this without my cochlear implants.

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Read about the success of Neil Maes, an 11 year old boy with CIs who competed in the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee.