Multi-
generational
cochlear
implant
family
Insights into raising a
child with hearing loss,
from a parent who was
a childhood cochlear
implant recipient
A typical family with one exception:
Ashley (mom) and Henry (toddler) both have hearing loss and cochlear implants.
Our story
Our story began 30 years ago with Ashley’s parents taking a leap into the unknown so Ashley could have more access to sound. At the time, there were no success stories to reference as they made their decision for their three-year-old to receive a cochlear implant. For Henry (we call him Hankster), he was able to get his cochlear implants well before his first birthday and is responding beautifully to his wide world of sound and language.
Ashley was part of the first generation of young children to receive a cochlear implant at age three in the early 90s, and she was able to rely on listening and spoken language without accommodations by age eight.
For one-year-old Henry today, receiving listening and spoken language therapy at this early age means learning spoken language right along with his hearing peers and it is expected that he will not require additional services when he reaches school age.
Then and now
“We are very grateful to the critical early intervention therapy support and resources provided by the state of Colorado and groups like the Listen Foundation – and for Henry to have the opportunity to receive bilateral cochlear implants at such a young age.” —Ashley and Ian
Children with hearing
loss can live their lives
without limits
Early intervention with listening and
spoken language is key. We invite you
to show your support of the Listen Foundation’s
work by sending a check or donating online at
listenfoundation.org. Thank you in advance —
any amount, big or small, makes a difference.