I got my first cochlear implant when I was 16 months and the second one when I was 8 years old and in second grade. I am so, so, so glad that I got the second one because it is just so much louder and it makes it easier to hear! Don’t stress out when your child gets cochlear implants because they are amazing and I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for them. If you are a parent and can decide whether to get your child cochlear implants, I say absolutely yes!! They are totally worth it !!!! ~Alyna, age 14.
Alyna received her first implant in infancy. She and her family dedicated themselves to following a listening and spoken language approach to communication development. Now 14 years old, she is an 8th grade student in her local school. She enjoys pop music, playing soccer and socializing with friends.
Alyna attended Pre-k through her county’s program for kids with hearing loss. Upon entering kindergarten, she transitioned to a mainstream classroom within the public school system and relies on a 504 Plan for access to FM technology.
What is the best and worst part about having cochlear implants?
“The best part about having cochlear implants is being able to go to a public school and participate in sports and other things I love to do. The worst part is having to keep up with everything and making sure they are working correctly. Also it’s harder for me to do or participate in some things/activities than it is for other kids.”