Introducing Zara, a recent recipient of bilateral cochlear implants under the care of Courtney Voelker, MD, PhD. Zara’s story is just one of many inspiring journeys we’ve witnessed in our pediatric cochlear implant program. What sets Zara apart is the remarkable timing of her surgery – at just 7 months old, two months earlier than the FDA’s recommended age for cochlear implantation. Thanks to the dedication of our cochlear implant team, Zara’s procedure was approved, paving the way for her path to sound.
Following her surgery, Zara embarked on her journey to hearing with the support of Rebecca Lewis, AuD, who activated her cochlear implants one-week post-operation. The excitement of Zara’s activation day was captured by ABC 7, showcasing the transformative power of cochlear implants in the lives of children like Zara.
Zara’s parents played a pivotal role as advocates for her care, tirelessly seeking the best possible solution for their daughter’s hearing loss. After consulting with multiple audiologists, they discovered a YouTube video featuring a pediatric cochlear implant activation performed by Dr. Voelker and Dr. Lewis, ultimately leading them to our program.
But why is early intervention so crucial for children with hearing loss? Research consistently shows that the earlier a child receives a cochlear implant, the greater their potential for developing listening and speaking skills on par with their hearing peers. Our multidisciplinary cochlear implant team is equipped with the expertise and resources to maximize your child’s progress in these critical areas.
Join us in celebrating Zara’s journey and advocating for early intervention in pediatric hearing loss. Watch the highlights from her surgery and activation below, and discover the life-changing impact of cochlear implants for children like Zara.
